Epl debate sharpens as Arteta defends Arsenal’s corner-driven wins
Mikel Arteta said he is "upset" Arsenal do not score more from corners after Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea, as a growing debate about set-pieces has reignited claims the epl is becoming less entertaining.
Epl critics highlight open-play drought
Critics have seized on league-wide numbers: through 28 weeks, teams have combined for 505 open-play goals, the fewest since the 2020-21 season, and only 1, 659 open-play shots on target — the lowest in a 17-season Opta dataset. Teams have completed 48, 248 open-play passes in the attacking third, the fewest since 2011-12. Commentators have singled out recent results, including Arsenal's win over Chelsea, as evidence that set-piece play is reshaping matches.
Arteta defends set-piece focus after Chelsea win
Arteta pushed back on criticism after Arsenal scored both goals from corners in Sunday's 2-1 victory, calling the result "part of the job" and saying: "I'm upset that we don't score more, and that we concede as well. " He added: "We want to be the best and the most dominant team in every aspect of the game. " Arsenal sit atop a list of teams exploiting restarts — they have 16 goals from corners this season — a haul that has drawn both acclaim and accusations of one-dimensionality. The team’s work on set-pieces has been credited to their set-piece coach and the delivery from Declan Rice.
Arteta’s priorities and Arsenal’s route to silverware
Arsenal remain in a commanding position domestically and in Europe: they finished top of their Champions League group with eight wins from eight games, and are nine games away from ending a long wait for a league title while sitting five points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. They will meet City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley and are heavy favourites for an FA Cup fifth-round tie at Mansfield Town, giving Arteta multiple confirmed chances to convert set-piece proficiency into trophies.
For now, the debate focuses on whether law changes or tactical shifts are needed to curb grabbing and other set-piece practices, while managers and pundits point to matches such as Arsenal’s Chelsea win as the flashpoint. Arsenal’s immediate schedule offers clear milestones: the Carabao Cup final at Wembley and an FA Cup tie at Mansfield Town are both on the calendar, and the next high-profile showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad is pencilled in as a potential title decider.
