Arsenal must continue to be the ´masters´ of set-pieces, says Arteta

Arsenal must continue to be the “masters” of set-pieces after Mikel Arteta earned his 150th victory in charge of the Gunners.

Arteta’s landmark win arrived as Arsenal beat United 2-0 on Wednesday.

After being frustrated in the first half, two goals from two corner routines from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba after the break sealed an important 2-0 victory for Arsenal.

Arsenal have now scored more goals from corners (22) than any other team in the Premier League since the start of last season. 10 of those have opened the scoring, which is also a division-high total across that period.

The Gunners also had more shots from corners (seven) than they did from open play (six) against United, while also having 13 corners in the game without reply from the visitors.

“I hope they don’t,” Arteta said when asked how opposition teams have not found a way to stop his side’s set-piece routines.

“We want to have the ability to score from every phase of play. It’s something that has worked, and the more resources you have it makes it more difficult for your opponent.

“We were very efficient with our set-pieces when we were not efficient with our chances inside the box and in open play. But we won the game, so we are happy.

“We are the masters today, but we have to continue to work and continue to be the masters.”

Wednesday’s result also saw Arsenal record a fourth consecutive league victory against United for the first time in their history.

They have also won each of their last four home league games against the Red Devils, which is their longest such run since April 1978 (seven in a row).

7 – Arsenal had more shots from corners (7) than they did from open play (6) against Manchester United. Indeed, the Red Devils conceded two goals from corners in a Premier League match for the first time since January 2014 (v Chelsea). Targeted. pic.twitter.com/NHnzmR0hXb

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 4, 2024

Despite the win, Arsenal dropped to third in the standings after Chelsea’s 5-1 thrashing of Southampton, but they were able to close the gap to leaders Liverpool.

Arne Slot’s side dropped points in an enthralling 3-3 draw with Newcastle United, though Declan Rice, on the back of making his 50th Premier League appearance for Arsenal said it was too soon for title talk.

“It’s good, but people get carried away with the title talk. I was involved in my first one last year, “Rice told Amazon Prime.

“You need to be in and around it by February. It’s too early to be calling what’s going on. Liverpool dropped points. What are they, 10 above?

“Oh seven, it’s closer, but still a long way to go, we just need to keep believing in ourselves.”

Arteta echoed Rice’s thoughts, saying: “I didn’t know they had dropped points as I was so happy celebrating in the dressing room. We got that news, but it is difficult to win this league. It is still very early.”

Up next for Arteta’s side is a trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Sunday before returning to the Emirates to face Monaco in the Champions League.