How Arsenal's Set Pieces are Causing Chaos in the Premier League

Arsenal's deadly corner routine, can anyone stop it?

Opposition fans are growing weary of Arsenal's dominance from corners, their threat becoming overpowering. Arsenal's set-piece prowess is a key factor in their success.

“Arsenal's standards are astounding. I've never seen anything like it...”

Arsenal's corner dominance has opponents worried, with eight goals scored from set pieces in the first 10 Premier League games - a record for the league. This tally surpasses Chelsea, who have scored six goals from corners in the same timeframe. Their latest corner goal came in a 2-0 win over Burnley, further solidifying their reputation.

The Gunners' ability to capitalize on corners has become a potent weapon, leaving opponents struggling to find an answer. Their set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, plays a crucial role in perfecting these routines. Arsenal's corner threat is now a major concern for teams, as evident in their match against Manchester United, where they scored two goals from corners. The precision and consistency of their corner kicks have made them a formidable force in the Premier League.

Their strong performance has yielded a six-point lead at the top of the English league, and they've maintained a flawless record in the Champions League. The team's expertise in set-piece situations could prove crucial in ending their trophy drought.

Arsenal's set-piece strategy has become a recurring nightmare for opponents, with a specific routine proving to be highly effective. The tactic involves an inswinging corner to the backpost, followed by a header down, creating chaos in the box. This play has become so familiar for Arsenal fans that they almost expect to score whenever a corner is taken.

Under Mikel Arteta, this set play has been perfected, with Declan Rice and Gabriel leading the charge. Rice's pinpoint delivery has been particularly impressive, allowing Arsenal to exploit even the tightest defenses. The goal scored by Viktor Gyokeres on Saturday at Turf Moor is a prime example of this routine in action. With Rice's precise corner and Gabriel's powerful header, the Swedish striker was able to score from point-blank range.

The threat isn't limited to one side, as Bukayo Saka is equally deadly from the right, forcing opponents to be on high alert from both flanks. This tried-and-tested method has become a potent weapon, with Arsenal's set-piece expertise potentially making it the most effective tactic in the world right now.

The introduction of VAR has also played a role in Arsenal's success from set pieces, as defenders are more cautious about committing fouls in the box due to the increased scrutiny. While some physicality still exists before the corner is taken, players are wary of giving away penalties, and Arsenal are capitalizing on this hesitation.

The psychological impact of Arsenal's set-piece threat shouldn't be underestimated either. As the ball is placed in the corner quadrant, the opposing fans groan in anticipation, and it's likely that the players on the field feel a sense of dread, knowing the danger that is about to unfold. This mental pressure can be a significant advantage for Arsenal, making it even harder for opponents to defend.

A single misstep from a defender can prove costly, as teams must be flawless in their defensive positioning to repel the threat. This pressure to perform perfectly can work in Arsenal's favor, creating opportunities for them to find the back of the net.

Arsenal's Set Piece Prowess to be 

Put to the Test Against Slavia Prague

Arsenal prepares to take on Slavia Prague in the Champions League, looking to maintain their flawless record this season. Slavia Prague's coach, Jindrich Trpisovsky, acknowledges that Arsenal has evolved into a formidable opponent, particularly in set-piece situations, which he believes makes them one of the most challenging teams to face.

Speaking about it in his pre-match press conference, he explained: “Arsenal's standards are astounding. I've never seen anything like it. They have everything coming together - height, power, timing, head play and most importantly, that playmaking from Rice.”

Typically, when a team develops a potent strategy like Arsenal's set-piece threat, opponents find ways to counter it, and soon others follow suit. However, with eight goals in 10 Premier League games, it's clear that stopping this Arsenal tactic has proven to be a significant challenge for opposing coaches.

Mission complete in Burnley 🫡

Highlights from our win at Turf Moor have landed 📺 pic.twitter.com/lu6ozyVuVn

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 1, 2025

Countering Arsenal's Set-Piece Threat

To neutralize Arsenal's set-piece threat, the first step would be to prevent the corner kick from being delivered effectively. However, given Declan Rice's exceptional crossing ability, this might be nearly impossible. A more feasible approach could be to focus on neutralizing Gabriel, who has played a key role in Arsenal's set-piece goals, providing three assists this season. Removing him from the equation or limiting his impact could significantly reduce the threat.

Assigning multiple defenders to Gabriel is a viable strategy, but maintaining this approach for the entire 90 minutes can be challenging. As other Arsenal players like Riccardo Calafiori or William Saliba might then become the focal point, teams need to hold their nerve and adapt their defensive plan accordingly.

The strategy of using a skilled set-piece taker and a tall defender to create chaos is not new in football. However, what sets Arsenal apart is their mastery of every aspect of corner kicks. Stopping them will be a tough task, but success in doing so could prove crucial. Slavia Prague has taken on this challenge, aiming to crack the code and neutralize Arsenal's potent set-piece threat.