Arteta's Set-Piece Mastery: Arsenal's Key to Victory

Mikel Arteta 

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta proud of team's set-piece prowess after 2-1 win over Chelsea, embracing 'Set-Piece FC' nickname.

Gunners score 16th corner goal of season, equalling Premier League record, as Arteta's side moves five points clear at top...

Mikel Arteta is embracing Arsenal's 'Set-Piece FC' nickname after their 2-1 win over Chelsea, thanks to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber's headers from corner kicks. Arteta's side is now five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta has now won more games against Chelsea than any other opponent in his managerial career ✅👔📈 pic.twitter.com/Eumr6JzVEV

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Arteta praised his team's set-piece prowess, saying they knew the importance of individual duels at set plays, especially against top teams like Chelsea. He also acknowledged that set pieces are crucial in the Premier League, with lots of quality teams exploiting them. Chelsea's Liam Rosenior was frustrated with his team's performance, particularly conceding two goals from set pieces.

The Gunners have scored 16 goals from corners this season, equalling the Premier League record set by Oldham and West Bromwich Albion. Arsenal's fans were ecstatic, celebrating with chants of “set-piece again, ole, ole.”

Chelsea's equalizer came from a corner kick, courtesy of Piero Hincapie's own goal, as he headed Reece James' delivery into his own net just before halftime, canceling out William Saliba's earlier opener. This was a rare defensive lapse for Arsenal, especially considering their strong set-piece performance.

Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover's expertise shone through, as Arsenal's set-piece strategy proved effective, with the team scoring two goals from corners. Mikel Arteta's side has become known for their prowess at set pieces, earning them the nickname “Set-Piece FC.”

Arsenal's set-piece prowess has become a defining trait as they chase their first English title since 2004. Their ability to score from corners and free kicks has been a key factor in their success.

Not everyone is a fan of Arsenal's set-piece-heavy approach, though. Some critics argue it's become too reliant on dead-ball situations. 

Chris Sutton was quite critical of Arsenal's reliance on set-pieces, saying it's "amateur hour” and that Mikel Arteta should have addressed the team's striking issues earlier. He believes Arsenal's approach, which includes playing a midfielder like Mikel Merino up front, is unacceptable.

❤️‍🩹🥵 Mikel Arteta: “My heart almost stopped… David Raya’s hands were there to get it back to life”.@BeanymanSports 🎥 pic.twitter.com/iKIoOTpwPX

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 1, 2026

Sutton's comments come after Arsenal's 2-1 win over Chelsea, where they scored two goals from corners, equalling the Premier League record for goals scored from corners this season. 

“Set-piece Arsenal, again. I think they are going to win it,“ Sutton told BBC Radio Five Live.

"If they get over the line, will they be the ugliest Premier League winning team in history? The performance wasn't there.”

Mikel Arteta is unapologetic about Arsenal's emphasis on set-pieces, embracing the “Set-Piece FC“ label and highlighting the importance of individual duels at set plays, especially against top teams like Chelsea. He believes set pieces are a crucial aspect of the Premier League, with many quality teams exploiting them.

Arteta's approach has yielded results, with Arsenal scoring 16 goals from corners this season, equalling the Premier League record. 

'“We knew the importance of the individual duels at set plays because Chelsea are a top side attacking and defending them,” the Gunners boss said.

“Every team, to be fair. There is so much quality at set pieces in the Premier League.

“It's very important. We have lost points to long throws, and lately we haven't scored from many set-pieces. Today we did it. To have these options is great.”

Title Chase Heating Up

Manchester City is still firmly in the title hunt, with a game in hand and a crucial match against Arsenal in April. Despite this, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta is confident in his team's approach, particularly their set-piece strategy, which has been a key factor in their recent success.

Arsenal's Quadruple Pursuit

Arsenal is currently contending for the quadruple, having bounced back from a tough period with wins against Tottenham and Chelsea. Their set-piece prowess has been a major contributor to this resurgence, with Arteta emphasizing its importance in their title bid.

“We are really happy because we know we had two difficult games in the last week or so. The attitude and willingness ot go for it and be dominant, I am happy with it,” he said.

“In March, we are in every competition, we are right up there.”

Chelsea's defense has been vulnerable to set-pieces under Liam Rosenior, conceding nine goals in his first 13 matches, with five of those coming against Arsenal. This weakness was highlighted in their recent 2-1 loss to Arsenal, where the Gunners scored two goals from corners, equalling the Premier League record for goals scored from corners in a season.

Chelsea's struggles continued with Pedro Neto's red card, getting sent off for two second-half bookings. This adds to their poor disciplinary record, something manager Liam Rosenior acknowledged needs to be “eradicated.”

Liam Rosenior Frustrated with Chelsea's Corner Conundrum

Liam Rosenior expressed his frustration with Chelsea's inability to contain Arsenal at corners, despite working on a new plan for the occasion. The Blues conceded two goals from set pieces, which ultimately cost them the game. Rosenior admitted that he's “learning about the group” and needs to address the issue quickly, as it's affecting their performance.

“To concede two goals from set plays, that ultimately cost us the game, is very disappointing,” Rosenior said.

“We conceded from a corner against Burnley last weekend as well. It's something that has come into our game and is costing us points. We worked on a certain new scheme, and it didn't work today.

“Arsenal are probably the best team in the world at them. It's a combination. The marking, the zone players. The goalkeeper is involved. I won't single out. I will address it on the training ground.“

Liam Rosenior, Chelsea's manager, felt his team was unfairly disadvantaged by Arsenal's clever set-piece tactics, suggesting football's lawmakers should consider rule changes to address teams like Arsenal that excel at holding opponents before the ball is delivered.

Rosenior's frustration stems from Arsenal's 2-1 win, where they scored two goals from corners, highlighting their strength in set-piece situations. Arsenal's set-piece prowess has become a defining trait, with 16 goals from corners this season, equalling the Premier League record.

"There is a rule that says there can't be a foul while the ball is not in play. There's a lot of holding and grappling that goes on before the ball is delivered,” he said.

"Set plays are massively important in this league. It is something that is coming in, and it needs to be looked at. But we have to deal with it better.”