ONE OF A SCRAP

18 years a boss, trophies, 39 major but Pep's still a learner when it comes to combatting set-piece peril

- BY SIMON BAJKOWSKI

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.

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.