Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal's approach to set-pieces following criticism from rival managers after his team's 2-1 victory over Chelsea. The Gunners scored both goals from corners in the match, marking the ninth time this season they have netted a match-winning goal from such situations. Managers including Michael Carrick and Fabian Hurzeler have raised concerns over physicality and time-wasting in the Premier League.
Arsenal's 2-1 win over Chelsea highlighted their dominance in set-piece situations, with both goals coming directly from corners. This victory extended their record to nine match-winning goals from corners in the 2025-26 Premier League season. The team has scored 21 goals from set-pieces, including penalties—the highest in the division—and 16 directly from corners, contributing to their league-leading 58 goals scored and 22 conceded.
However, Arsenal's physical presence and blocking routines during set-pieces have drawn scrutiny. West Ham's David Moyes described them as trailblazers in the use of "dark arts." Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler, ahead of his team's match against Arsenal, criticized the Gunners for time-wasting, claiming they sometimes wait "over one minute" before taking corners, and called for stricter regulations. Manchester United manager Michael Carrick echoed concerns about the physical battles, stating, "I think it’s gone too far." He noted that rules once prohibited contact in the box but that success in set-pieces has led more teams to adopt similar tactics. Liverpool's Arne Slot suggested an overreliance on set-pieces has reduced the "joy" of top-flight matches.
Arteta dismissed the criticism as part of competitive football, expressing frustration that Arsenal have not scored even more from corners. "I am upset we haven’t scored more and that we have conceded as well," he said. "We want to be the best and most dominant team in every aspect of the game." He attributed the trend to the game's evolution, saying, "Teams are adapting... unless we change the rules, because the evolution of the game is that."
The International Football Association Board has acknowledged grappling at corners but has not formally discussed changes. Plans exist for a five-second countdown on throw-ins and goal-kicks, but not yet for corners. This season has seen more set-piece goals than the entire previous campaign, reflecting a broader tactical shift in the Premier League.
