Arsenal’s recent success in the Premier League has sparked debate about the effectiveness of their strategy, particularly concerning their high number of goals from set pieces. Some critics argue that this approach feels disingenuous, claiming it detracts from the essence of football. The concern is legitimate when a team centers its identity around dead-ball situations, raising questions about their tactical sustainability. However, the dialogue surrounding Arsenal is more complex than simply labeling their tactics as cynical.
Set pieces, including corner kicks and free kicks, have been a part of football since its early days in the 19th century. Yet, over recent years, there's been an undercurrent of stigma against discussing their significance openly. In the current 2025–26 season, an astonishing 25% of all Premier League goals have emerged from corner kicks alone. If we look at total set-piece goals—excluding penalties—they account for nearly 28% of all goals, marking a significant increase over the last decade’s average of 21.7%. The trend is clear: set pieces, once considered niche, are now pivotal in how teams approach the game.
Interestingly, historical data shows that Arsenal isn’t alone in capitalizing on set pieces. Notably, clubs like Liverpool and several of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City teams have similarly found success with a high tally of goals from dead-ball situations. For instance, a few of Guardiola's title-winning teams and Sir Alex Ferguson's best Manchester United sides also scored significantly from set pieces—over 15 goals in a season, a threshold that indicates a team's efficiency. So why does Arsenal’s use of set pieces draw such scrutiny?
Arsenal's Skillful Execution
In analyzing Arsenal's current performance, it’s crucial to note that over one-third of their goals have come from set pieces, the highest ratio recorded for any title-winning team in Premier League history. Manchester United's 2007-08 season, which recorded 27.5% from set pieces, stands as the closest comparison. What's essential to understand is that this is not a matter of luck or ad-hoc tactics. The success Arsenal has achieved is rooted in a meticulously planned system involving coordinated movements, precise ball delivery, and extensive training focused on executing under match pressure.
Open Play Performance
A common critique is that Arsenal struggles to score during open play. However, they have netted 41 goals from open play in the Premier League this season, ranking only behind Liverpool and Manchester City in this aspect. In the broader context, the Premier League itself has averaged only 1.8 open play goals per game, the lowest rate since the 2009-10 season. Arsenal's output of 1.08 open play goals per game proves they're not uniquely lacking; the league is collectively struggling.
The Backlash Against Success
The conversation about set pieces often stems from a broader reluctance to acknowledge the tactical evolution within the sport. When a team identifies a successful strategy and exploits it, rivals are left with two choices: adapt or devalue the method. Dismissing set piece goals as less valid is an easier path that avoids the need for tactical evolution. This phenomenon isn't new—historically, successful styles like tiki-taka or high pressing were labeled as "boring" or "kick and run" at various times in their popularity.
Future Considerations
If the prevailing sentiment suggests that set piece goals should hold less value, one must consider where such logic leads. Would we disallow corner routines? Limit the number of free kicks a team can score from in a season? Or perhaps introduce bonuses for elaborate open play builds devoid of set pieces? The absurdity of these hypothetical measures underscores how misplaced these criticisms can be.
A Path Forward
Ultimately, the goal of football should reward well-prepared, tactical teams that leverage every available opportunity. Arsenal’s focus on set pieces isn't a manipulation of the rules; it's a testament to their thorough preparation and strategic acumen. If the main critique against a team is their effectiveness in scoring, it’s worth reflecting on the merits of their hard work rather than unjustly questioning their value in the sport.
References
[1] bet365 News. Arsenal’s Set Piece Dominance in Europe Since 2023-24. news.bet365.com.
[2] The Non-League Football Paper / bet365 News. Set Piece Goal Percentage Trend 2023–2026.
[3] Sky Sports Between the Lines. How Arsenal’s Set Piece Operation Works skysports.com.
[4] Benson, R. Arsenal Most Goals From Corners Premier League Season Record. Opta Analyst, theanalyst.com.
[5] ESPN / Opta. Arsenal Set Piece Goals as Percentage of Total — Historical Comparison. espn.com.
[6] Benson, R. Arsenal Wouldn’t Be Popular Premier League Champions, But Success Will Be Vindication for Mikel Arteta. Opta Analyst, theanalyst.com.
By: Sandipani Basu / @professorscarn
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Neal Simpson / Allstar / Getty Images