Arteta Defends Arsenal’s Set-Piece Tactics Amid Criticism

By Eppe Franklyne

• Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta dismissed claims that his team wastes time on corners, insisting the focus is on scoring more goals.
• The Premier League leaders have scored 16 goals from corners this season, tying the league record.
• Brighton & Hove Albion coach Fabian Huerzeler criticized Arsenal for spending “over one minute” on corners and called for clearer regulations on time management.
• Arteta argued that modern football tactics mean teams increasingly neutralize open-play opportunities, making set-piece strategies essential.
• Arsenal currently leads the Premier League by five points over Manchester City, having played one extra match.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remained defiant on Tuesday over criticism of his team’s set-piece tactics, dismissing accusations of time-wasting while expressing frustration that his side doesn’t score even more from corners.

The Premier League leader has netted 16 goals from corners this season to tie the league record with nine games remaining, but the feat has also sparked debate about the tactical evolution of set pieces.

It has also drawn criticism from Wednesday’s opponent Brighton & Hove Albion, whose coach Fabian Huerzeler claimed Arsenal can sometimes “spend over one minute” to take a corner.

Arteta had little sympathy, telling reporters: “I’m upset that we don’t score more (from corners)—and we concede as well. We want to be the best and the most dominant team in every aspect of the game.”

He explained that teams increasingly adapt to every sequence of play, whether it’s a throw-in, restart, or open-play situation, making set-piece execution a key tactical tool.

Huerzeler, however, argued for clearer rules around time management, saying supporters “should see the same net game time because they pay a lot of money.”

Arsenal holds a five-point lead at the Premier League summit, having played a game more than second-placed Manchester City.