Set-piece kings Arsenal have WORST dead-ball record in the Premier League despite their glowing reputation
Set-piece Kings Arsenal Have WORST Dead-Ball Record in the Premier League Despite Their Glowing Reputation
Introduction
Set-piece kings Arsenal have WORST dead-ball record in the Premier League despite their glowing reputation—this headline might surprise many. Arsenal have long been heralded for their tactical acumen, technical finesse, and structured attacking play. Under Mikel Arteta, they’ve gained a reputation for discipline and creativity in both open play and set pieces. But the data tells a different story. Despite being hailed as “set-piece specialists,” Arsenal have recorded the lowest return from dead-ball situations in the 2024/25 Premier League season.
This article delves into the shocking disconnect between perception and reality, backed by data, expert insights, and tactical analysis.
Quick Wiki Data Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Arsenal FC |
| Manager | Mikel Arteta |
| Season | 2024/25 |
| EPL Set-Piece Goals Rank | 20th out of 20 teams |
| Total Set-Piece Goals | 4 goals (as of Matchweek 32) |
| Expected Set-Piece Goals | 10.3 (xG from corners and free kicks) |
| Reputation | Known for structured set plays, especially under Arteta |
| Key Players | Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Magalhães |
| Specialist Coach | Nicolas Jover (set-piece coach hired from Man City in 2021) |
H2: Set-piece Kings Arsenal Have WORST Dead-Ball Record in the Premier League Despite Their Glowing Reputation – Why the Data is So Alarming
Arsenal’s set-piece identity has become one of the club’s tactical cornerstones in recent years. Much of their competitive edge—particularly in tight games—has been linked to their proficiency from dead-ball scenarios. In the 2022/23 season, Arsenal were among the Premier League’s top five teams for set-piece goals. However, the 2024/25 data paints a contradictory picture.
According to Opta, Arsenal rank dead last for goals scored from corners and indirect free kicks. Out of over 150 corner attempts, only 4 have resulted in goals, despite an expected goal (xG) tally of more than 10. This underperformance is not just surprising—it’s a strategic red flag.
H3: What Happened to Arsenal’s Set-Piece Machine?
When Mikel Arteta brought in Nicolas Jover, a set-piece coach previously at Manchester City, many fans celebrated it as a masterstroke. Initially, the data backed this decision. Arsenal became notably more threatening from corners and second-phase play. However, this season, their well-drilled routines seem to be falling flat.
Some of the main contributing factors include:
- Predictability: Opposition analysts have caught up with Arsenal’s patterns, making it easier to defend.
- Execution errors: Poor delivery and timing in critical moments.
- Absence of aerial dominance: With fewer aerial threats beyond Gabriel Magalhães, Arsenal lack multiple set-piece scorers.
- Rotational fatigue: Players involved in high-intensity pressing struggle to execute well-timed runs and positioning in dead-ball moments.
These factors suggest that while the system may be intact, its application is failing under pressure.
Tactical Breakdown: The Myth of Set-Piece Superiority
Arsenal’s zonal marking and delivery patterns follow a playbook that once created havoc in opposing boxes. However, their current lack of variation has led to predictable plays that are easily snuffed out. Most deliveries target the same zones, often failing to reach their intended recipient.
Additionally, Arsenal’s players are often outnumbered or poorly spaced in the box. The issue isn’t with the design of their set pieces—it’s the failure to evolve and adapt as defenses adjust.
H2: Set-piece Kings Arsenal Have WORST Dead-Ball Record in the Premier League Despite Their Glowing Reputation – A PR Problem?
There’s an irony here: Arsenal’s reputation as set-piece kings is still strong. Pundits praise their structure and “rehearsed routines,” while fans still expect a threat every time Ødegaard steps over a dead ball. But that belief is built on legacy, not current form.
This disconnect could lead to overconfidence or misaligned analysis. In other words, Arsenal’s brand doesn’t reflect their actual output—and that can be dangerous in elite football.
For example, other teams may overestimate Arsenal’s dead-ball threat and plan overly defensive routines in vain, while Arsenal themselves continue with outdated strategies under the illusion of effectiveness.
Player Insight: Who’s Letting the Team Down?
While set pieces are team efforts, certain players carry more responsibility:
- Martin Ødegaard: Often responsible for dead-ball delivery, his recent inconsistency in placement and pace has been noticeable.
- Declan Rice: Brought in for his physical presence, he hasn’t converted enough chances.
- Ben White and William Saliba: Excellent defensively but less impactful in attacking dead-ball scenarios.
- Nicolas Jover: As the set-piece coach, his lack of visible innovation this season raises questions.
H3: Can Arsenal Recover Their Set-Piece Edge?
The good news? Set-piece data is often the easiest to improve with structured changes. With proper coaching adjustments and fresh routines, Arsenal could quickly reverse their fortunes. Key recommendations include:
- Introducing more near-post variations
- Using decoy runners to create space
- Rotating delivery takers to vary pace and angle
- Improving second-ball positioning outside the box
With a few tweaks and a renewed emphasis on execution, Arsenal could turn their worst set-piece record into a comeback story.
Expert Analysis and Commentary
Several analysts, including Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, have noted the decline. “Arsenal’s set pieces used to be a weapon. Now they’re a non-factor,” he said. Meanwhile, The Athletic suggests that the Gunners are due a statistical correction, meaning results may soon improve naturally.
Check out more stats on WhoScored.com.
H2: Set-piece Kings Arsenal Have WORST Dead-Ball Record in the Premier League Despite Their Glowing Reputation – A Wake-Up Call?
Sometimes, reputations outlive reality. For Arsenal, this dead-ball drought could be the exact shock they need to reinvent. Arteta has always been known for adaptation and tactical learning. If he and Jover respond decisively, this slump may be temporary.
However, in a title race that could come down to one goal, set-piece inefficiency might cost Arsenal dearly.
FAQs
Why are Arsenal called “set-piece kings”?
They gained this nickname due to their strong set-piece performance in the 2021–2023 period, under coach Nicolas Jover.
How many goals has Arsenal scored from set pieces this season?
Only 4 set-piece goals (as of Matchweek 32), the lowest in the league.
Who takes most of Arsenal’s dead-ball deliveries?
Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka typically take corners and free kicks.
What could improve their set-piece results?
Better delivery variation, increased physical presence in the box, and second-ball awareness could all contribute to improvement.
Is this affecting their Premier League title race?
Potentially. Goals from set pieces are often the difference in tight matches, especially against low-block defenses.
Conclusion
Set-piece kings Arsenal have WORST dead-ball record in the Premier League despite their glowing reputation—a headline that challenges the current narrative around one of England’s most structured clubs. While the perception of Arsenal’s dead-ball strength still holds, the numbers show a different story. The Gunners must confront this reality with tactical innovation if they want to avoid paying the price in crucial matches.
If you’re betting on Arsenal to score from a corner anytime soon—check the stats first.