Arsenal: Ugly or a tactical masterclass? Gunners set-pieces prove decisive again
BBC World
March 1, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Arsenal continued their dominance in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea, extending their lead at the top by five points. While their performance was far from flawless, the Gunners once again relied on their tactical precision from set-pieces to secure the win. Arsenal's ability to convert corners into goals has been a defining feature of their season, with 16 set-piece goals so far—tying a record in the Premier League alongside teams like Oldham (1992-93) and West Brom (2016-17). This reliance on set-pieces has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising it as a masterclass in efficiency and others questioning whether their style will be deemed "ugly" or groundbreaking if they win the title.
The match against Chelsea showcased Arsenal's strategic execution from corners, with goals scored by William Saliba and Jurrien Timber highlighting the team's well-practiced routines. These set-piece conversions have become a staple of Arteta's tactics, with Arsenal now leading the league in such finishes for the second consecutive season. Despite their success, critics like Patrick Vieira have pointed out that the Gunners' inability to take more chances in open play leaves room for improvement
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/1/2026