Arsenal lead the Premier League in set-piece goals.
But Mikel Arteta still isn’t satisfied.
Mikel Arteta “Upset” Arsenal Haven’t Scored More Set-Piece Goals Despite League-Leading Record
Arsenal may currently dominate the Premier League’s set-piece statistics — but according to Mikel Arteta, it still isn’t enough.
Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial clash with Brighton, the Gunners manager delivered a surprisingly blunt assessment of his team’s performance from dead-ball situations.
Despite scoring 21 goals from set pieces this season — the most in the Premier League, Arteta admitted he is frustrated his side haven’t produced even more.
“I’m upset that we don’t score more,” Arteta said during his pre-match press conference. “And that we concede as well.”
For a team chasing its first Premier League title in 22 years, perfection remains the standard.
Arsenal’s Set-Piece Revolution
Over the past two seasons, Arsenal have quietly built one of the most dangerous set-piece units in European football.
Corners, free kicks, and indirect deliveries have become major weapons in Arteta’s tactical arsenal — thanks in large part to specialist coach Nicolas Jover.
Jover’s influence has been so significant that his contract reportedly includes bonus incentives tied to the number of set-piece goals Arsenal score.
It’s a rare detail that highlights how seriously the club treats dead-ball situations.
Arteta made it clear that Arsenal are striving to dominate every phase of the game.
“We want to be the best and the most dominant team in every aspect,” he said. “That’s the trajectory and the aim of this team.”
Critics Question Arsenal’s Approach
Arsenal’s reliance on set pieces has not gone unnoticed — or unchallenged.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler recently accused the Gunners of exploiting “grey areas” in officiating during corner situations, claiming Arsenal sometimes take more than a minute to restart play.
Arteta, however, brushed aside criticism.
For him, football doesn’t award extra points for aesthetic beauty.
“I don’t know how you celebrate one goal different to another one,” he said. “Maybe for YouTube it’s nicer with one than another.”
His message was simple: a goal is a goal.
The Premier League’s Tactical Evolution
Arteta also suggested that modern Premier League football has become far more physically demanding and tactically complex than it once was.
According to the Arsenal manager, playing expansive, possession-heavy football is becoming increasingly difficult as teams adopt aggressive man-to-man defensive systems.
“I would like to play beautiful football all the time,” Arteta admitted. “But that’s not the reality of the Premier League.”
Instead, top teams must constantly adapt — and set pieces have become one of the most reliable ways to break down organized defenses.
Arsenal aren’t the only club prioritizing them.
Chelsea, Manchester United, and other Premier League sides have all invested heavily in set-piece strategies in recent seasons.
Injury Concerns Ahead of Brighton
While discussing tactics, Arteta also provided a brief update on his squad ahead of the Brighton match.
Kai Havertz remains a doubt after only partially training following his substitute appearance against Chelsea.
Martin Ødegaard is also being assessed, with Arteta saying the club must evaluate how comfortable the captain feels performing certain movements.
Declan Rice, however, appears closer to full fitness.
“Rice was much better today,” Arteta said, though he admitted the team has had limited training time due to the packed schedule.
Ben White will miss the match, while goalkeeper David Raya and young midfielder Max Dowman are both available.
Title Pressure Rising
Arsenal enter the Brighton match holding a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, while title rivals Manchester City play Nottingham Forest at the same time.
Every match now carries enormous weight.
And for Arteta, every detail — including set pieces — could make the difference between winning the title and falling just short.
Even with the league’s best record from dead-ball situations, the Arsenal boss believes there is still another level to reach.
Because in a title race this tight, dominance in every phase might be the only way to finish on top.
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