Mikel Arteta has proudly embraced Arsenal’s new moniker as ‘Set-Piece FC’ following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea, where deadly corner routines proved decisive in propelling the Gunners five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The Emirates Stadium erupted in celebration as headers from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber secured the win, with Arsenal’s set-piece mastery once again stealing the spotlight. This season alone, Arteta’s side has netted an astonishing 16 goals from corners, matching the Premier League record previously held by Oldham and West Bromwich Albion. The fans’ chants of “set-piece again, ole, ole” echoed through the ground, underscoring the tactic’s pivotal role in their title charge.
Chelsea managed a brief equalizer on the stroke of half-time when Piero Hincapie inadvertently headed Reece James’ corner into his own net, canceling out Saliba’s opener. However, Arsenal’s dominance in dead-ball situations, orchestrated by set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, shone through as they reclaimed the lead and held firm for the three points.
As Arsenal hunt for their first English title since 2004, their reliance on set-pieces has become a defining trait, drawing both praise and criticism. Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton didn’t mince words on BBC Radio Five Live, labeling them potentially the “ugliest Premier League winning team in history” despite predicting they could lift the trophy. “Set-piece Arsenal, again. I think they are going to win it,” Sutton said. “The performance wasn’t there.”
Arteta, however, remains unapologetic about leaning on this strength. “We knew the importance of the individual duels at set plays because Chelsea are a top side attacking and defending them,” the Arsenal boss explained post-match. “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.”
The victory comes at a crucial juncture for Arsenal, who have bounced back from a recent dip in form with successive wins over Tottenham and now Chelsea. With Manchester City lurking just behind—boasting a game in hand and set to host Arsenal in April—the title race remains wide open. Yet Arteta’s squad is firing on all cylinders, positioning themselves as contenders for an unprecedented quadruple.
“We are really happy because we know we had two difficult games in the last week or so,” Arteta added. “The attitude and willingness to go for it and be dominant, I am happy with it. In March, we are in every competition, we are right up there.”
Jover’s influence cannot be overstated. The set-piece specialist has transformed Arsenal’s approach to dead balls, turning what was once a vulnerability into a weapon. Against Chelsea, the precision of their routines exposed defensive frailties, with Saliba rising highest to nod in the opener and Timber sealing the deal in the second half.
While detractors like Sutton argue it lacks flair, Arsenal’s results speak volumes. The Gunners’ ability to grind out wins through tactical nous has them dreaming of glory across multiple fronts. As the season intensifies, ‘Set-Piece FC’ might just be the nickname that sticks—all the way to the trophy cabinet.