Arsenal’s dominance from set-pieces has faded in recent months, raising questions ahead of their crucial clash with Manchester United. When the Gunners beat United 2-0 in December—scoring twice from corners—it seemed like a return to form after a shaky start to the 2024/25 season.
Under set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, Arsenal had turned dead-ball situations into a key source of goals, earning comparisons to Tony Pulis’s notoriously effective Stoke City side. However, since that win over United, their ability to convert from set-pieces has disappeared.
A Sudden Drop in Output
Despite remaining among the Premier League’s best at set-pieces, Arsenal have not scored from one in their last six league matches or 10 games in all competitions. This decline coincides with a broader dip in form.
In the first 21 matchweeks, Arsenal scored 12 set-piece goals, averaging 0.57 per game. Since then, that number has dropped to zero, with their expected goals (xG) from set-pieces also declining from 0.53 to 0.30 per game.
Corners have been the biggest issue. In the first half of the season, Arsenal averaged 0.47 xG from corners per match, but that figure has plummeted to just 0.15 in their last six games. Despite winning a similar number of corners, their ability to create quality chances has diminished.
The Saka Factor
A major reason for the decline appears to be the absence of Bukayo Saka. The winger, who has been sidelined since December 21, was Arsenal’s primary corner taker from the right side—where the majority of their set-piece assists originated.
Saka had assisted five of Arsenal’s 10 corner goals before his injury, meaning his absence has significantly impacted the team’s output.
Since he was sidelined, Arsenal’s set-piece goals per game have halved, and their xG has dropped from 0.56 to 0.36.
Other Key Absences
Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli have also played a role. While neither were prolific from corners, their presence in the box, particularly Havertz’s aerial ability, helped distract defenders and create space for others.
With Arsenal now relying on smaller attackers like Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri, opposition defenses have found it easier to handle their set-piece routines.
Opponents Adapting
Another factor could be that teams have learned how to defend against Arsenal’s set-piece tactics. Jover has been credited with innovative routines, but after two seasons of dominance, opposition coaches may have found ways to neutralize them.
Even teams that typically struggle to defend set-pieces—like Leicester City, Wolves, and West Ham—have managed to keep Arsenal at bay.
In Europe, PSV and Dinamo Zagreb did the same, despite conceding heavily in open play.
Can Arsenal Regain Their Set-Piece Threat?
With Saka expected to return soon, Arsenal will hope their set-piece proficiency improves. His pinpoint deliveries from corners could provide the missing spark.
Additionally, Jover may need to tweak his approach to regain the element of surprise.
As they prepare for their rematch against Manchester United—who have conceded 13 goals from corners this season, the most in the Premier League—this weekend could be the perfect opportunity for Arsenal to rediscover their set-piece magic.