Arsenal F.C.’s resurgence this season owes as much to tactical discipline and dead-ball efficiency as to attacking flair. Under Mikel Arteta, the club has built a campaign foundation rooted in defensive solidity and set-piece domination — two pillars that could finally propel the club into genuine title contention.
Defensive foundations
Arsenal have conceded only three goals in the current Premier League season so far — a remarkable rate that underlines their improved resilience. The back-line, marshalled by goalkeeper David Raya and the centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, has transformed into a fortress. Across Europe as well, they have kept clean sheets in multiple Champions League matches, showing their standards are consistent at the highest level.
Arteta has stressed that a strong defensive baseline is crucial for mounting a title challenge:
“The teams with the best defensive records, most of the time… win the title.”
This mindset has been evident in how Arsenal have limited their opponents’ chances and remained composed under pressure. As noted:
“We had a spell in the first 10–15 minutes … We showed a lot of maturity … we find a way with the set-piece to do it but we deserved it in the end.”
Set-pieces as a strategic weapon
Alongside their defensive strength, Arsenal’s proficiency from set-pieces has emerged as a key differentiator. They’ve scored 10 goals from dead-ball situations in just eight league games — setting a new Premier League benchmark. Since the start of the previous season, they have amassed 22+ goals from corners, more than any other team in the league.
This isn’t accidental: Arsenal brought in specialist coach Nicolas Jover to elevate their set-piece routines, focusing on delivery, movement and target-players. Arteta has described the aim bluntly:
“Well we want to be the kings of everything … on set pieces, the best in the world.”
The effect is two-fold: they not only score more from set-pieces, but their opponents must allocate extra attention to defending these situations — which in turn opens space elsewhere.
The title-push implications
With both defensive and set-piece metrics at elevated levels, Arsenal are laying the groundwork for a sustained title challenge:
- Defensive reliability means fewer dropped points in tight games.
- Set-piece potency provides an edge in matches where open-play goals are harder to come by.
- The combination implies Arsenal can grind out results and also seize moments of advantage.
Arteta himself has referenced the importance of consistency:
“Our defensive record is very good but we need to be consistent. It’s only the start of the season and our aim is to keep improving things.”
Furthermore, these strengths help Arsenal navigate games where opponents sit deep, or where the margins are fine — scenarios that often decide title races.
Challenges remain
Despite the positives, several caveats are worth noting:
- The attacking game still needs refinement: heavy reliance on set-pieces could become limiting if open-play chances dry up.
- Injuries, form dips, and psychological pressure — especially given the club’s long wait for a league title — remain variables.
- Competition is fierce: to win the title requires sustained excellence over the full season, not just in spells.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s blend of rock-solid defence and razor-sharp set-piece execution presents a compelling blueprint for success. Under Mikel Arteta’s stewardship, the club appear to have addressed two key areas that often separate champions from challengers. If they maintain this momentum and evolve their open-play threat, then the dream of ending their league title drought may be within reach.
