Mikel Arteta has dismissed claims that Arsenal’s reliance on dead-ball situations is ruining the spectacle of the Premier League. Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s crucial trip to Brighton, the Gunners boss insisted his only frustration is that his side isn’t even more clinical from corners and free-kicks.
Arsenal equalled the all-time Premier League single-season record for goals from corners (16) during their 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday. The mastery of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has become Arsenal’s greatest weapon, but it has sparked a league-wide debate over the “beauty” of the modern game.
The Critics vs. The Architect
The Gunners’ ascent has drawn sharp rebukes from some of the league’s biggest names, but Arteta remains unrepentant.
- The Critic: Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted he “no longer enjoys” watching some Premier League matches due to the stop-start nature of set-piece tactics.
- The “Ugly” Tag: Former striker Chris Sutton claimed Arsenal would be the “ugliest” champions in history if they clinch the title playing this way.
- Arteta’s Response: “I don’t know how you celebrate one goal different to another one. Maybe for YouTube, one is nicer… but if you want to watch [beautiful] football, you have to go to a different country. In the Premier League, this is the reality.”
Stats: Arsenal’s Dead-Ball Dominance
Arsenal’s efficiency is historically unprecedented. By Matchday 27, they have already reached a milestone that usually takes a full season to achieve.
| Category | Arsenal (2025/26) | PL Average |
| Goals from Corners | 16 (Record Equal) | 4.2 |
| Total Set-Piece Goals | 22 | 7.1 |
| Set-Piece Goal % | 38% of total goals | 14% |
Gemini said
The battle for the Premier League title has taken a sharp tactical turn, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta mounting a fierce defense of the “set-piece revolution” that has propelled his side five points clear at the top of the table.
Following criticism from rivals and pundits alike, here is the full breakdown of the “Set-Piece FC” debate for SportsTip24.com.
Arteta Defends ‘Ugly’ Arsenal: ‘I’m Upset We Don’t Score More From Set-Pieces’
Mikel Arteta has dismissed claims that Arsenal’s reliance on dead-ball situations is ruining the spectacle of the Premier League. Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s crucial trip to Brighton, the Gunners boss insisted his only frustration is that his side isn’t even more clinical from corners and free-kicks.
Arsenal equalled the all-time Premier League single-season record for goals from corners (16) during their 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday. The mastery of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has become Arsenal’s greatest weapon, but it has sparked a league-wide debate over the “beauty” of the modern game.
The Critics vs. The Architect
The Gunners’ ascent has drawn sharp rebukes from some of the league’s biggest names, but Arteta remains unrepentant.
- The Critic: Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted he “no longer enjoys” watching some Premier League matches due to the stop-start nature of set-piece tactics.
- The “Ugly” Tag: Former striker Chris Sutton claimed Arsenal would be the “ugliest” champions in history if they clinch the title playing this way.
- Arteta’s Response: “I don’t know how you celebrate one goal different to another one. Maybe for YouTube, one is nicer… but if you want to watch [beautiful] football, you have to go to a different country. In the Premier League, this is the reality.”
Stats: Arsenal’s Dead-Ball Dominance
Arsenal’s efficiency is historically unprecedented. By Matchday 27, they have already reached a milestone that usually takes a full season to achieve.
| Category | Arsenal (2025/26) | PL Average |
| Goals from Corners | 16 (Record Equal) | 4.2 |
| Total Set-Piece Goals | 22 | 7.1 |
| Set-Piece Goal % | 38% of total goals | 14% |
The Guardiola Endorsement
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has surprisingly jumped to Arteta’s defense, suggesting that instead of complaining, teams should focus on adapting. Arteta echoed this, noting that even “glamour” clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United are now heavily investing in set-piece specialists to keep up
