Arsenal's transformation into a set-piece juggernaut has become a key narrative in the Premier League. Their meticulous planning and execution have turned dead-ball situations into a potent attacking weapon, contributing significantly to their success in the 2024-2025 and ongoing 2025-2026 seasons.

The Gunners have demonstrated remarkable consistency in converting set-pieces into goals. In both 2024 and 2025, they scored over 20 goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties), joining Wimbledon (1993-1996) as the only other team in Premier League history to achieve this feat in consecutive years. In the 2024-2025 season, Arsenal scored 69 goals in the Premier League. This underlines the importance of set-piece proficiency in their overall attacking output.

Arsenal's success isn't limited to corner kicks. They have also scored from free-kicks and exhibited prowess in converting opportunities from outside the box. For instance, in their final game against Aston Villa in 2025, they scored two goals from outside the box. Declan Rice also scored two brilliant direct free-kicks against Real Madrid. This versatility makes them a difficult team to defend against during dead-ball situations.

Several factors contribute to Arsenal's set-piece dominance. First, their tactical organization and player movement create confusion and disarray in opposing defenses. Second, they possess quality deliverers of the ball, like Bukayo Saka, who can consistently place the ball in dangerous areas. Third, they have players with excellent heading ability and positioning skills, such as Gabriel Magalhães, who scored the opening goal against Aston Villa from a Saka corner.

Arsenal's set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, deserves credit for the team's improvement in this area. Jover's arrival has brought a new level of detail and sophistication to Arsenal's set-piece routines. Opposition teams now approach matches against Arsenal with a clear understanding of their set-piece threat. Corners and free kicks are no longer moments of respite but periods of genuine danger. Some pundits, like Jamie Carragher, have expressed shock at Arsenal's dominance in this area.

Despite the praise, some critics downplay the significance of set-piece goals, but they are a valuable source of goals for any team. Arsenal's ability to consistently score from set-pieces provides them with an edge, especially in tight games where goals are hard to come by.

Looking ahead, Arsenal will likely continue to prioritize set-piece training and development. With their current squad and coaching staff, they have the potential to remain a top set-piece team for years to come. Their set-piece mastery has become a defining characteristic of their play, and it will be interesting to see how they continue to evolve and innovate in this area. In the ongoing 2025/2026 Premier League season, Arsenal is considered a title contender and arguably the biggest exponent of scoring from dead-ball situations.