Arteta embraces Arsenal’s ‘Set-Piece FC’ label after corners sink Chelsea

AFP | London

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Mikel Arteta said Arsenal are happy to embrace their ‘Set-Piece FC’ nickname after using their deadly corner routines to seal a vital 2-1 win against Chelsea on Sunday.

Arteta’s side moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League thanks to headers from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have scored 16 goals from corners this season -- equalling the Premier League record set by Oldham and West Bromwich Albion.

No wonder Arsenal’s jubilant fans celebrated by chanting “set-piece again, ole, ole”.

Chelsea also scored from a corner when Piero Hincapie headed Reece James’ delivery into his own net on the stroke of half-time to cancel out Saliba’s opener.

That was a rare blemish for Arsenal when it comes to dead ball action as set-piece coach Nicolas Jover underlined his growing reputation with another masterclass.

As they chase a first English title since 2004, Arsenal’s prowess at set-plays has emerged as their defining characteristic.

But not everyone is enamoured with the set-piece barrage fuelling their title charge. Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton was scathing about Arsenal’s reliance on the tactic.

“Set-piece Arsenal, again. I think they are going to win it,” Sutton told BBC Radio Five Live.

“If they get over the line, will they be the ugliest Premier League winning team in history? The performance wasn’t there.”

Yet Arteta has no qualms about emphasising the value of set-pieces.

“We knew the importance of the individual duels at set plays because Chelsea are a top side attacking and defending them,” the Gunners boss said.

“Every team to be fair. There is so much quality at set pieces in the Premier League.

“It’s very important. We have lost points to long throws and lately we haven’t scored from many set-pieces. Today we did it. To have these options is great.”