Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defiantly responded to criticism of his team’s reliance on set-pieces, expressing disappointment that the Premier League leaders don’t score even more from dead-ball situations. The Gunners equalled the single-season record for goals from corners with two in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, reaching 16 for the campaign.
Their excellence under set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has sparked debate about whether such tactics are “ruining football as a spectacle,” with Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitting he no longer enjoys watching some matches and former striker Chris Sutton suggesting Arsenal would be the “ugliest” champions. Arteta remains unrepentant, stating: “I’m upset that we don’t score more, and that we concede as well.” He dismissed claims about celebrating differently, saying, “I don’t know how you celebrate one goal different to another one.” Arteta insisted Arsenal aims to be “the best and most dominant team in every aspect of the game.”
Key Points
Arteta’s defiant stance challenges the notion that set-piece dominance diminishes football’s beauty.
The record-equalling 16 corner goals demonstrate tactical mastery that opponents struggle to counter.
The criticism paradoxically highlights Arsenal’s effectiveness rather than any legitimate flaw.
Arteta’s “upset we don’t score more” comment underscores his relentless pursuit of improvement.
The debate reflects broader tensions between tactical efficiency and traditional aesthetic preferences.
Mikel Arteta refuses to apologize for Arsenal’s set-piece prowess, embracing the “ugly champions” label as he focuses on winning by any means necessary—and wishes his team was even more effective at it.
Sources: Press Conference Remarks
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