Arsenal's Deadly Set Piece Goals: A Key Factor in Their Title Challenge

Introduction

Arsenal has significantly improved their set piece goals this season, thanks to the influence of Nicolas Jover, who joined the team from Manchester City in July 2021. This improvement has made the Gunners the most deadly team in the Premier League from set pieces.

Previous Set Piece Performance

In the 2020/21 season, Arsenal scored the fewest goals from set pieces, with only ten percent of their goals coming from corners and free-kicks. Only Sheffield United and Fulham scored fewer set piece goals than Arsenal. However, in the current season, Arsenal has increased their set piece goal percentage to 30, which is a significant improvement.

Comparison with Previous Title Winners

When comparing Arsenal's set piece goal percentage with previous title winners, it is evident that they are bucking the trend. Arsenal's reliance on set pieces as a method of scoring is higher than most title-winning teams. The highest set piece goal percentage among title winners is 53 percent, achieved by Sean Dyche's Everton. Arsenal's current percentage of 30 shows their effectiveness in utilizing set pieces.

Here is a ranking of the previous 14 title winners based on the percentage of goals scored from set pieces:

1. Chelsea (2016/17) – 25% (21 goals)
2. Manchester United (2012/13) – 25% (22 goals)
3. Chelsea (2014/15) – 21% (18 goals)
4. Manchester City (2021/22) – 20% (20 goals)
5. Liverpool (2019/20) – 20% (17 goals)
6. Manchester City (2013/14) – 20% (20 goals)
7. Manchester City (2011/12) – 20% (19 goals)
8. Manchester United (2010/11) – 17% (14 goals)
9. Chelsea (2009/10) – 17% (18 goals)
10. Manchester City (2020/21) – 16% (13 goals)
11. Leicester City (2015/16) – 16% (11 goals)
12. Manchester City (2022/23) – 15% (14 goals)
13. Manchester City (2017/18) – 14% (15 goals)
14. Manchester City (2018/19) – 11% (10 goals)

Importance of Set Piece Goals

Set piece goals have historically been associated with teams fighting for survival rather than title contenders. However, Arsenal's success in utilizing set pieces challenges this perception. Set pieces provide a reliable method of scoring, as they rely less on the overall functioning of the team and more on practice and execution. Arsenal's dedication to practicing set pieces is evident in their improved performance.

Future Implications

As Arsenal continues to excel in set piece goals, rival fans may criticize their reliance on this method of scoring. However, set piece goals are just as valuable as goals from open play. If Arsenal wins the title, it is likely that other top teams will also prioritize set pieces in the future. Arsenal's success serves as a reminder that goals can be scored in various ways, and their ability to score from set pieces has played a crucial role in their title challenge.

Conclusion

Arsenal's improvement in set piece goals, attributed to the influence of Nicolas Jover, has been a key factor in their title challenge. Their dedication to practicing set pieces has paid off, as they have become the most deadly team in the Premier League from set pieces. By bucking the trend of relying less on set pieces, Arsenal has demonstrated their effectiveness in utilizing this method of scoring. As the season progresses, Arsenal's success in set pieces will likely inspire other top teams to prioritize this aspect of the game.