Arsenal have been the masters of set-pieces in recent years.
The Gunners are among the best teams in the world in every phase of play, but their ability to score from corners and free-kicks has made them even more dangerous.
Mikel Arteta has worked on this for a long time at Arsenal – not just because it gives them an advantage over other teams, but because he believes this is the key to winning the big trophies.
What decides the 2025/26 Premier League, Arsenal’s defence or Man City’s attack?
Taylor Foran reveals what Mikel Arteta once told him about set-pieces at Arsenal
Sir Alex Ferguson once famously said: “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.”
Arsenal have had the best defence in the Premier League for over two years now, and they are impenetrable when they are at their best.
That should’ve helped them win the title in the previous seasons, but they fell just short on each occasion.
That is perhaps the reason why Arteta has slightly tweaked Ferguson’s famous quote. The Arsenal manager believes set-pieces win you titles – he said that to former Gunner Taylor Foran.
The defender, who was released by Arsenal in 2024, told Kent Online: “I had quite a few chats with Mikel Arteta.
“He was always very tactical, the attention to detail is just ridiculous, the things that he wanted us to do…
“We were on one tour, and I remember him saying you can win as many football games as you want, but set-pieces will win you leagues, and now look at Arsenal.”
That is a crazy statement by Arteta, but he could be proven right if the Gunners go on to win the Premier League title this season.
Are Arsenal the best set-piece team in Premier League history?
Arsenal will become even better at set-pieces soon
Arsenal haven’t been as much of a threat in recent weeks from set-pieces.
Sam Johnstone’s own goal came from a corner in the game against Wolves, but in the few games prior to that, the Gunners weren’t as effective as they used to be.
That is because of the absence of Gabriel Magalhaes, who has been out injured since the November international break.
However, the Brazilian is expected to return to action in the coming weeks. Once that happens, we expect Arsenal to score plenty of goals from corners and free-kicks again.
That could give them the boost they need to get over the line this season.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
