Deadly Deliveries and Controlled Chaos: How Arsenal Became Set-Piece Masters
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have emerged as the undisputed kings of set-pieces in the Premier League this season, with a remarkable 19 goals scored from corners across all competitions. This tactical prowess has been a cornerstone of their success, contributing significantly to their league position and overall performance.
The Corner Kings: Rice and Saka Lead the Charge
Much of Arsenal’s effectiveness from corners can be attributed to their primary takers, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. Rice, operating from the left with his right foot, has created eight goals, while Saka, delivering from the right with his left foot, has set up five. The team favours in-swinging corners, which account for 81% of their deliveries and are statistically more likely to result in goals compared to out-swinging ones.
This aggressive approach marks a departure from the methods of Arteta’s mentor, Pep Guardiola, who often prefers out-swinging or short corners to maintain possession. Instead, Arsenal have adopted a more direct and threatening stance, leveraging their aerial ability and tactical ingenuity.
Old-School Methods with Modern Precision
Arsenal’s set-piece strategy is grounded in traditional, yet highly effective, methods. Approximately three-quarters of their corners are aimed directly at the six-yard box, creating a high-pressure environment for opposing defences. Despite not being the tallest side in the league, Arsenal have assembled a group of imposing defensive players, including William Saliba, who often disrupts goalkeepers to create scoring opportunities.
This was evident in their winning goal at Old Trafford in August, where Saliba’s challenge on the goalkeeper led to Riccardo Calafiori’s decisive strike. Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim highlighted the challenge, noting that Arsenal are allowed significant leeway at corners, a tactic opponents must adapt to counter.
Strategic Variety and Player Rotation
While direct deliveries are a key component, variety is essential to maintaining effectiveness. Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover ensures that Arsenal mix up their approaches, with deliveries spread between the middle (37%), near post (23%), and far post (15%). This diversity is reflected in the distribution of goals scored: 10 from central areas, eight at the near post, and six at the far post.
Arsenal are not reliant on a single player to finish set-pieces. Gabriel Magalhães leads with four goals, but 11 other teammates have also scored from dead-ball situations this season. This points to sophisticated off-the-ball movement, such as runs from the far post across the six-yard box, which create confusion and open up spaces for headers, as seen in Jurriën Timber’s goal against Bayern Munich.
Creating Chaos and Capitalising on Opportunities
By varying player starting positions, pressuring goalkeepers, and mixing delivery directions, Arsenal generate a level of controlled chaos that benefits their attack. They have scored seven goals from knock-downs, flick-ons, or goalmouth scrambles following set pieces this season. Examples include Leandro Trossard’s winner at Fulham, created by Gabriel’s flick from Saka’s delivery, and Trossard’s assist for Gabriel Jesus against Inter.
This panic-inducing approach has also led to two converted penalties and four own goals, with opponents like Wolves’ Sam Johnstone and Brighton’s Georginio Rutter falling victim to the pressure at the Emirates Stadium.
Balancing Aggression with Defensive Solidity
Arsenal’s aggressive set-piece strategy could theoretically leave them vulnerable to counterattacks, with key defenders often advanced into the opposition area. However, they have conceded only 14 league goals all season, with Erling Haaland’s opener at the Emirates being a rare counterattacking success against them. Opponents typically crowd the box to defend corners, reducing breakaway chances, and Arsenal’s hard-running side tracks back cohesively to nullify any threats.
In European competitions, Paris Saint-Germain experimented with leaving players upfield to exploit potential counterattacks, a risky tactic that Premier League sides might consider to find flaws in Arsenal’s system. Looking ahead, Arsenal are working with long-throw specialist Thomas Grønnemark to add another dimension to their set-piece arsenal, potentially making them even more formidable.
As the season progresses, Arsenal’s set-piece mastery continues to be a defining feature of their campaign, blending traditional tactics with innovative coaching to create a finely tuned goalscoring machine that opponents struggle to contain.
