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Premier League leaders Arsenal were not at their fluent best but still did enough to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea, moving five points clear at the top of the table.
In a tense London clash, the Gunners once again leaned on their outstanding efficiency from corner kicks, with two expertly executed set-piece routines proving the difference. The result underlined a growing theme of Arsenal’s title charge: dominance from dead-ball situations.
The opener arrived when William Saliba reacted quickest to nod home after Gabriel Magalhães had flicked on a corner. The decisive goal followed a similar script, as Jurrien Timber powered in Declan Rice’s delivery to seal all three points.
With that strike, Arsenal equalled the all-time Premier League record for goals scored from corners in a single season, reaching 16 – a tally previously achieved by Oldham (1992-93), West Brom (2016-17), and the Gunners themselves last season.
Set-pieces driving the title push
Arsenal have now scored more goals from corners than any other side this campaign, and this was the ninth occasion they have netted a match-winning goal from such a situation – an outright league record.
Despite being one game ahead of second-placed Manchester City, Arsenal remain firmly in control domestically. Beyond the league, they boast a perfect record in the UEFA Champions League, are through to the Carabao Cup final, and have reached the FA Cup fifth round.
Still, debate continues over the style of football being played.
Former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live that Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces may not be pleasing on the eye. Ex-Gunners captain Patrick Vieira echoed similar sentiments on Sky Sports, suggesting expectations are naturally higher given Arsenal’s league position.
Arteta defends Arsenal’s approach
Manager Mikel Arteta, however, rejected claims that his side’s football is unattractive.
“You play the game that’s in front of you,” he said, insisting that adaptability and efficiency are hallmarks of top teams. Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman also backed Arsenal’s pragmatism, noting that exploiting strengths is simply smart football.
Statistically, Arsenal’s threat from corners has reshaped matches across the league. There have already been more goals from corners this season than in the entire previous Premier League campaign, highlighting the growing importance of set-pieces.
Brazilian defender Gabriel remains central to Arsenal’s routines. He has now been directly involved in 25 Premier League goals – the most ever by an Arsenal centre-back – underlining his influence at both ends of the pitch.
Title run-in gathers pace
With nine matches remaining, Arsenal are edging closer to a first league title since 2004. While critics may question aesthetics, the results continue to speak loudly.
As Osman summed up, football is ultimately about effectiveness in both penalty areas – and right now, Arsenal are mastering that art better than anyone else.
Source: GhanaWeb
