Mikel Arteta defends Arsenal’s set-piece performance amid criticism
Mikel Arteta has responded to mounting criticism of Arsenal’s set-piece prowess with characteristic defiance, insisting he remains dissatisfied that his side do not find the net even more frequently from corners, reports BritPanorama.
The Gunners have netted 16 times from set-pieces in the Premier League this campaign, matching the all-time record held jointly by Oldham Athletic in 1992/93, West Bromwich Albion in 2016/17, and Arsenal’s own tally from last season.
“I’m upset that we don’t score more, and that we concede as well,” Arteta declared ahead of Wednesday’s fixture at Brighton. “We want to be the best and the most dominant team in every aspect of the game.”
The Arsenal manager’s comments arrive amid a growing chorus of disapproval from rival coaches. Liverpool’s Arne Slot remarked on Monday that the league’s increasing emphasis on dead-ball situations has rendered matches “not a joy to watch.”
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, whose side hosts the league leaders on Wednesday evening, levelled accusations of gamesmanship at the north London club. The German coach claimed Arsenal “spend over one minute” preparing to take corners, arguing that supporters who pay substantial sums for tickets deserve greater actual playing time.
Hurzeler noted that net game time has fallen to approximately 50 minutes rather than the 65 minutes fans might reasonably expect. Arteta offered a robust defence of his tactical approach, explaining that modern football has undergone a fundamental transformation.
The Spaniard argued that opponents now deploy sophisticated defensive systems that eliminate space in open play. “Teams know after every sequence of play — whether it’s a throw-in, a restart of play, an open-play situation — exactly what they have to do and everything is almost man-to-man,” he explained.
He suggested this evolution has made set-pieces increasingly crucial, pointing to Chelsea and Manchester United as clubs that similarly capitalize on dead-ball opportunities. Arteta brushed aside the barrage of complaints with characteristic sangfroid, describing such criticism as simply “part of the job.”
The 42-year-old issued a pointed challenge to those yearning for more aesthetically pleasing football. “Maybe for YouTube it’s nicer one or another,” he remarked. “If you want to watch that football, you have to go to a different country because in the Premier League, for the last two seasons or three seasons, this is not the case.”
Arsenal travel to the Amex Stadium on Wednesday sitting five points clear at the summit, having played one match more than Manchester City. Midfielder Declan Rice is anticipated to be available despite limping off against Chelsea on Sunday.
As Arsenal navigates this wave of scrutiny, the club’s ability to blend tactical efficiency with flair will be pivotal, challenging the narratives that linger in the air of contemporary football.
