Arsenal have evolved into the Premier League’s most formidable set-piece side, climbing to the top of the table in March 2026 with 64 points.
Their 2–1 victory over Chelsea FC highlighted that transformation, as William Saliba and Jurrien Timber both scored from corners, taking Arsenal’s total to a record-equalling 16 goals from corner kicks this season.
While that efficiency has powered their title charge, critics have questioned the aesthetics of their approach, with some labelling them ‘Set-Piece FC’.
Club legend Ian Wright voiced similar concerns after the Chelsea match, describing the performance as ‘jittery’ and warning about the team’s composure in key moments.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Wright said: “Chelsea, once they went down to 10 men, they started to play. It was worrying. Arsenal showing those nerves, those jittery nerves at the latter stages of games, they need to take the opportunities earlier on so they can relax at this stage. They have to just win now, especially the home games. It’s not going to be something that instills you with loads of confidence but it’s a win”.
Looking ahead to the next fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Wright admitted lingering anxiety. “We’re seeing in the second half of games, you can get at Arsenal. Chelsea had 10 men there, it would be nice to find out what’s happening to Arsenal in the second half”.
“It comes down to ‘you get the job done’ and I’m happy the job is done, but I’m going to be nervous for the next game because I’m seeing that again in the second half.”
Statistics highlight Arsenal’s growing reliance on set pieces, with nearly 68% of their goals this season coming from dead‑ball situations.
While Mikel Arteta insists that finding ways to break down deep defensive blocks is never ‘ugly’, the tense finish at the Emirates suggested that Ian Wright’s concerns about the team’s composure may be justified.
The closing moments against Chelsea did little to calm nerves. Goalkeeper David Raya produced a decisive save to prevent an Alejandro Garnacho cross from sneaking into the far corner.
Arteta later admitted the intervention was crucial, saying: “He is a keeper that knows how to maintain his focus and decide a football match when you need it because sometimes he doesn’t participate at all, and then in one action, you have to be there, and that’s very, very difficult to do”.
“The save that he made in the last action… it’s a cross, not a shot, but he ended up with an unbelievable save. I got the right angle and my heart almost stopped, but David’s hand was there to bring it back to life.”
As the title race intensifies, Arsenal’s command of set pieces may prove decisive, but with Manchester City FC in pursuit, questions remain over whether their reliance on dead-ball situations can sustain them through the season’s decisive stretch.
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