‘Ugly’ or 'beautiful'? Set-pieces prove decisive for Arsenal again

Another day, another set-piece masterclass from Arsenal.

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Arsenal have scored 16 goals in the Premier League from corners this season.

The Premier League leaders were far from their best in a tight 2-1 win against Chelsea but two goals from well-worked corner routines proved enough to return the Gunners five points clear at the summit.

Arsenal's prowess from set-pieces has been a huge part of their title challenge, having now scored 16 times from corners - three more than anyone else - and equalling the most in a single Premier League season, alongside Oldham in 1992-93, West Brom in 2016-17, and the Gunners themselves in 2023-24.

First William Saliba nodded in after Gabriel's initial header from a corner, before fellow defender Jurrien Timber met Declan Rice's delivery to power in his third league goal of the season.

As well as being clear of second-placed Manchester City - albeit having played a game more - the Gunners also have a 100% record in the Champions League, they are in the Carabao Cup final and into the FA Cup fifth round.

But questions remain about the manner in which Mikel Arteta's men are winning games.

Chris Sutton, a former title winner with Blackburn Rovers, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Set-piece Arsenal, again. I think they are going to win it. If they get over the line - will they be the ugliest Premier League-winning team in history? The performance wasn't there."