Set-Piece FC Strikes Again as Arsenal Down Chelsea in Title Race
Set-Piece FC is the nickname fans now chant with pride. Arsenal earned it after a 2-1 win over Chelsea in London. Deadly corners once again made the difference. Mikel Arteta welcomed the label with confidence. He praised his squad’s sharp movement and focus. As a result, the team moved five points clear at the top.
William Saliba headed home the opener. Later, Jurrien Timber struck from another corner. Therefore, the side matched a league record with 16 corner goals this season. Chelsea briefly fought back before half-time. Piero Hincapie turned a delivery into his own net. However, Arsenal stayed calm and controlled the second half.
Supporters celebrated every corner with loud chants. Energy filled the stadium throughout the night. In addition, belief continues to grow among players and fans alike.
Arteta Defends Tactical Strength
Arteta sees nothing wrong with smart strategy. He stressed the importance of winning duels during dead-ball moments. Moreover, he reminded critics that top teams master every detail. Former striker Chris Sutton questioned the style. He argued the performance lacked flair. Yet Arteta values efficiency over aesthetics.
Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover deserves credit. His planning has turned corners into a major weapon. Consequently, rivals now prepare nervously for each delivery.The victory kept Arsenal in multiple competitions. They recently beat Tottenham and Chelsea in key matches. Momentum, therefore, sits firmly with the North London club.
Chelsea Face Setback
Chelsea struggled to defend under pressure. They have conceded several similar goals in recent weeks. That trend concerns manager Liam Rosenior. He admitted disappointment after the final whistle. Although his team tried a new marking system, it failed. As a result, valuable points slipped away.
A red card for Pedro Neto added to the frustration. Discipline remains an issue the squad must fix. Rosenior promised to address problems in training. Meanwhile, Arsenal stay focused on the bigger goal. If they maintain this edge, the title dream could soon become realit