ONE OF A SCRAP

PEP GUARDIOLA admits the challenge of taking back the Premier League crown in a season where set-pieces are all the rage has only fuelled his desire for yet more success.

- BY SIMON BAJKOWSKI

But while the Manchester City manager admitted he is paying more attention to the 'dangerous' situations his team face, he was clear his team have other priorities on the training pitch.

As they battle for the league title, City and Arsenal are at opposite ends of the set-piece table.

Only Wolves have scored fewer than the six goals from dead-ball situations than Guardiola's side have managed.

By contrast, on Sunday, Arsenal scored their 15th and 16th from corners alone - equalling a Premier League record with nine games to spare.

The manner of the goals in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Chelsea, and the officiating of players grappling in the box, has fuelled the debate about how much set-pieces should be relied upon by the top teams.

While going out of his way to offer no criticism of Arsenal's set-play strength, Guardiola insisted his team had other priorities. "Of course you have to pay attention," he said of football's contentious trend. "You have to be concerned and prepared.

"But at the same time, as a manager, you have to decide what you like to work with. And there are things I prefer to work and be focused on.