Mikel Arteta has responded to criticism of Arsenal’s tactics from rival managers by saying he is “upset” they “haven’t scored more” from corners.
The Gunners’ prowess at set-pieces continues to fuel their title charge, with Sunday’s victory over Chelsea the ninth time they have scored a match-winning goal from a corner this season.
But they have also been at the forefront of recent discussions around grappling and blocking at set-pieces, with Everton boss David Moyes identifying Arteta’s side as the trailblazers for the use of “dark arts”.
Fabian Hurzeler, whose Brighton said host the Premier League leaders on Wednesday, has called for stricter rules around set-pieces and criticised Arsenal for time-wasting.
Seagulls head coach Hurzeler claimed the Gunners sometimes wait “over one minute” to take their corners.
Arteta said such criticism was “part of the job” as he doubled down on their approach.
“I am upset we haven’t scored more and that we have conceded [from set-pieces] as well,” Arteta told a news conference.
“We want to be the best and most dominant team in every aspect of the game. That is the trajectory and the aim of this team.”
Arsenal have scored the most goals (58) and conceded the fewest (22) in the Premier League. Their goal difference of +36 is therefore the highest.
They are way ahead on goals scored from set-pieces, including penalties, with 21 compared to Manchester United’s 15 in second.
Sixteen of their goals this season – 27.6% – have come from corners. Spurs are top of that particular table, having scored 13 of their 38 goals from corners – a total of 34.2%.
Arteta said the increase in set-piece threat was because football is “evolving” and becoming “more and more difficult” from a tactical perspective.
He added: “Teams are adapting, teams know after every sequence of play – whether it is a throw-in, a restart of play, an open-pitch situation – after that, they know exactly what they have to do and everything is almost man to man.
“So it is not going to be a different game, unless we change the rules, because the evolution of the game is that.”