Arsenal (foto: Getty Images)
Arsenal dominates Premier League set-piece stats under Arteta and Jover, leading the league with 14 big chances created. Can it lead to their first title in 20 years?
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal has turned set-pieces into a lethal weapon, addressing a key challenge faced by teams at the top of the table—breaking down low-block defenses. Instead of lamenting "anti-football" tactics from opponents, Arteta has used these situations to the team’s advantage, making set-pieces a cornerstone of their attacking strategy.
Set-pieces, particularly corner kicks, are often considered one of football’s least efficient scoring opportunities. Arsenal, however, has flipped the narrative. The Gunners lead the Premier League with 14 big chances created from set-pieces, far ahead of their nearest rival Aston Villa, who have managed eight.
This remarkable improvement is no accident. Arteta’s side has dedicated significant focus to set-piece training, led by Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s set-piece specialist who followed Arteta from Manchester City. Jover’s expertise has added a crucial dimension to Arsenal’s game, turning dead-ball situations into a consistent threat.
One standout example of Arsenal’s prowess is Gabriel Magalhães, who has scored 17 goals in 149 appearances for the club—a striking figure for a center-back. The Brazilian’s aerial threat epitomizes Arsenal’s efficiency and creativity in such situations.
While Arsenal’s mastery of set-pieces has become a solution to low-block defenses, the ultimate question remains: can they find the formula to end their 20-year wait for a Premier League title? Only time will tell.