Arsenal has performed in set-piece scenarios lately that has exceeded expectations and is a big change from their usual play style. Arsenal, often linked with deft passing and nimble offensive moves evocative of Barcelona, has shown under Mikel Arteta a freshfound ability to seize set-piece opportunities—a aspect of the game usually linked with more robust clubs.

Beyond all predictions, the Gunners have already scored an astounding 16 goals from set pieces in Premier League season. Their incredible achievement puts them at the top of set-piece efficiency, a position not often associated with Arsenal football. They really equalled the record established by Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion team seven years ago, according to information from Opta, the well-known sports statistics company.

The contrast this accomplishment offers to Arsenal’s past as a team known for adhering to the tenets of “Wengerball,” a play style defined by deft passing and a focus on technical ability over physicality, highlights the importance of this accomplishment. For a very long time, the football world has accepted Arsenal as a squad that values skill over strength. But the skill of the Arsenal team right now in set-piece scenarios disproves these assumptions and indicates a change in the club’s tactical strategy under Arteta’s direction.

Arsenal Equal Premier League Set-piece Record From Seven Years Ago

Arsenal’s set-piece prowess was on display most recently in the much awaited North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal led 3-0 as the first half came to an end, and set-piece scenarios had provided the scoring for all three of their goals. After Bukayo Saka crossed the ball, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg unintentionally sent it into his own net for the first goal. Just a little while later, Kai Havertz headed in a corner kick from Declan Rice to double Arsenal’s advantage.

Arsenal’s attacking strength from set pieces is shown by this commanding performance, which also emphasizes their defensive strength in similar circumstances. Towering backs like Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have helped Arsenal become a dangerous team that can take advantage of their own chances and fight off set-piece threats.

What’s next?

Arsenal’s huge advantage had clearly left their opponents reeling when the halftime siren went. Ange Postecoglou, the manager of Tottenham, was not going to enable his team to lose without a fight, however. Postecoglou used the break to rouse his team and give them a feeling of urgency going into the second half.

Could Tottenham stage a comeback and save their honor in the face of Arsenal’s supremacy, was the question that remained as the teams got ready to restart play? Football being unpredictable, the second half’s result was still up in the air, suggesting a possibly dramatic finish to this hotly fought North London Derby.

Arsenal’s exceptional skill in set-piece scenarios, then, is a reflection of a major change in their tactical philosophy under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal, once known for their elegance and technical skill, have evolved into a versatile squad that can succeed in any area of the game, including the typically physical set-piece play. Arsenal’s comeback as they keep defying accepted football identity standards is evidence of the flexibility and tenacity of the contemporary game.

16 – Arsenal have scored 16 goals from corners in the Premier League this season, the most by a team in a single campaign since West Bromwich Albion under Tony Pulis in 2016-17 (16). Strategy. pic.twitter.com/uEprfiFN4Z

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 28, 2024