Arteta fires back at set-piece critics

Mikel Arteta has hit back at critics of Arsenal's dependence on set-pieces, saying he is disappointed the Premier League leader does not score even more goals from dead-ball situations.

Arteta's side has established a five-point lead at the top of the league thanks in large part to its scoring success from set-pieces.

It equaled the Premier League's single-season record for goals from corners with two in Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea, reaching 16 for the campaign.

But Arsenal's dead-ball excellence since Nicolas Jover took over as set-piece coach has sparked criticism of its reliance on the tactic.

The debate on whether set-pieces are ruining soccer as a spectacle is raging, with Liverpool boss Arne Slot revealing he no longer enjoys watching some Premier League matches.

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, a Premier League title winner with Blackburn, said Arsenal will be the "ugliest" Premier League champion if it goes on to clinch the title.

Arteta is unrepentant, insisting his only concern about the use of set-pieces is making sure Arsenal is even more efficient with them. "I'm upset that we don't score more, and that we concede as well," he told reporters on Tuesday, on the eve of his side's trip to Brighton.

"We want to be the best and the most dominant team in every aspect of the game, and that's the trajectory and the aim of this team, so we try to do that."

Asked if he was surprised at the criticism aimed at his side, Arteta replied:"(It's) part of the job."

AFP