Arsenal’s set-piece dominance is driving opponents crazy.
Now former Premier League boss Tony Pulis says the solution is surprisingly simple.
Tony Pulis Reveals His “Simple Fix” for Arsenal’s Dead-Ball Dominance
Arsenal’s set-piece power has become one of the most talked-about tactical weapons in the Premier League this season.
The Gunners have repeatedly punished opponents from corners, free kicks, and throw-ins — turning dead-ball situations into decisive moments in tight matches. But while many teams are still struggling to find answers, former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis believes the solution is straightforward.
His message? Referees simply need to enforce the rules.
Arsenal’s Set-Pieces Become a Major Talking Point
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have developed one of the most effective set-piece systems in English football.
Whether it’s towering centre-backs attacking corners or carefully choreographed blocking movements inside the box, the Gunners have made dead-ball situations a consistent source of goals.
Opposition managers have grown increasingly frustrated by the difficulty of defending these situations.
Arsenal’s players often crowd the penalty area, creating chaos around the goalkeeper and forcing defenders into uncomfortable physical duels.
For many teams, stopping Arsenal at set pieces has become almost as difficult as containing them in open play.
Tony Pulis Speaks From Experience
Tony Pulis knows exactly how powerful specialized tactics can be.
During his time managing Stoke City, his team became famous — and sometimes infamous — for using Rory Delap’s long throw-ins as a devastating attacking weapon.
Although critics frequently mocked Stoke’s direct style, Pulis never apologized for using whatever tools gave his team an advantage.
And it worked.
Now, watching Arsenal’s modern version of set-piece dominance, he sees clear parallels.
Teams are exploiting specific situations to create goals — just like his Stoke side once did.
The “Common Sense” Solution
However, Pulis believes Arsenal’s approach could be neutralized if referees were stricter when policing physical battles inside the penalty area.
Speaking to TalkSport, he argued that many players are committing fouls while the ball is in the air.
“Referees have got to start giving penalties for people who are not even looking at the ball,” Pulis said.
“They’re actually grabbing players.”
According to Pulis, referees often attempt to calm situations before corners by warning players — but rarely follow through with punishment when fouls occur.
“How many times do you see a referee blow his whistle before the corner is taken, have a word with two players?” he added.
“Waste of time, because they never do anything afterwards anyway.”
His solution is blunt.
“Start giving penalties. Start giving free kicks. And all of a sudden, it will stop.”
Arsenal Still Dangerous in Open Play
While set pieces have become a key part of Arsenal’s success, Pulis also acknowledged that Arteta’s side are far from a one-dimensional team.
Unlike his Stoke teams of the past, Arsenal possess elite technical players capable of dominating games in open play.
Their attacking movement, pace on the wings, and midfield creativity allow them to threaten opponents in multiple ways.
Set pieces simply add another dimension to an already dangerous team.
A Debate That Won’t Disappear
As Arsenal continue their push for the Premier League title, the conversation around their set-piece tactics shows no sign of fading.
Some critics argue the Gunners rely too heavily on dead-ball situations.
Others believe it’s simply smart coaching and clever use of available advantages.
Tony Pulis, perhaps surprisingly, sits somewhere in the middle.
He understands exactly why teams use these strategies — but believes referees should be ready to punish players who push the limits too far.
Until then, Arsenal’s set-piece machine will likely continue causing chaos.
And opponents will keep searching for answers.
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