Arsenal spark ugly champions debate with record set-piece reliance

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal face growing scrutiny over whether they will become the ugliest Premier League champions in history due to their heavy reliance on set-piece goals.

The North London club currently sit seven points clear at the top of the table.

They are actively challenging on four fronts, reaching the League Cup final and advancing into the latter stages of both the FA Cup and Champions League.

However, their pragmatic style of play has drawn sharp criticism from several former professionals.

Pundits question aesthetic appeal

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton recently questioned if the current league leaders would be the most unattractive title-winning team ever.

Sutton’s comments followed a pivotal victory where the title hopefuls secured three points via two corner routines against the Blues.

Eleven-time champion Paul Scholes echoed this sentiment, suggesting the Emirates outfit might be the most boring side to lift the trophy.

How the league leaders compare historically

Opta statistics reveal that the Londoners have scored 59 goals in 30 league matches, averaging 1.97 per game.

While this puts them on track to be the lowest-scoring championship campaign since Leicester City a decade ago, it still outpaces the famous ‘Invincibles’ squad.

The core of the criticism stems from exactly how these vital goals are being manufactured.

A staggering 41% of their goals have originated from dead-ball situations, a higher proportion than any previous Premier League winner.

Historical context and strategic defence

The current record holders for set-piece reliance are the Blackburn Rovers side of 1994-95 and Manchester United in 2007-08.

Ironically, Sutton and Scholes were key players in those respective squads, which both scored 35% of their goals from dead balls.

Meanwhile, Arteta’s men have only managed 1.17 goals per game from open play this term.

You have to look back to the inaugural 1992-93 season to find a title-winning side that scored as infrequently from open play.

Despite the detraction, former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has robustly defended the title favourites.

“I’ve heard a lot of people talking about Arsenal and how they’re playing. I think Arsenal have been brilliant,” Rooney said.

“I actually enjoy watching them play. Set-pieces are part of football – why would you not use it?”