CaliToday (02/11/2025): Arsenal have officially established themselves as the Premier League's new set-piece kings, shattering a league record by becoming the first team in the competition's history to score eight goals from corners in just the first 10 matches of the season.
The record-breaking eighth goal was secured during their 10th league fixture on Saturday, a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates. The decisive goal came in the 72nd minute when defender William Saliba met a pinpoint inswinging corner from Declan Rice, powering a header past the Wolves' goalkeeper.
This remarkable statistic highlights a significant tactical evolution under manager Mikel Arteta, transforming Arsenal from a team known primarily for fluid, open-play attacks into a dominant force from dead-ball situations.
A New, Formidable Weapon
The Gunners' previous 10-game record for corner goals was reportedly just four, demonstrating a 100% improvement in this area. This success is being attributed to several key factors:
Elite Delivery: The £105 million summer signing of Declan Rice has been central to this success. His consistent, high-quality deliveries have replaced the previous committee of takers, providing a constant threat.
Specialist Coaching: The work of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover is once again receiving high praise. Jover's intricate routines, clever blocking schemes, and "decoy" runs are systematically creating clear-cut chances for Arsenal's aerial threats.
Aerial Dominance: The team's physical profile, featuring players like William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Kai Havertz, provides multiple high-value targets who are now aggressively attacking the ball.
Impact on the Title Race
This new-found set-piece prowess is not just a statistical anomaly; it is a vital tool in Arsenal's title challenge. In a league known for its tight defensive units, the ability to reliably score from corners provides a crucial alternative route to goal, particularly in "ugly" or tight games where open play is stifled.
Last season, title rivals often pointed to Arsenal's occasional lack of a "Plan B." This season, their "Plan B" has become the most potent and, now, record-breaking weapon in the entire league.
As the season progresses, rival managers will be forced to spend significant time analyzing and preparing for Arsenal's corner routines—a testament to the new, multi-faceted attacking threat the North London club now poses.