Mikel Arteta has embraced Arsenal’s growing reputation as “Set-Piece FC” after their lethal corner routines helped secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Chelsea FC at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Headers from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber propelled the Gunners five points clear atop the Premier League, with Arsenal now equalling the top-flight record of 16 goals from corners in a season, previously set by Oldham and West Bromwich Albion. Fans celebrated by chanting “set-piece again, ole, ole,” reflecting the team’s growing mastery of dead-ball situations.

Chelsea had briefly leveled through an own goal by Piero Hincapie, who inadvertently headed in Reece James’s delivery just before half-time. Yet Arsenal’s set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, delivered another tactical masterclass, highlighting how these routines have become a defining feature of their title push.

While some, like former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, have criticised Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces, suggesting it could make them the “ugliest Premier League winners in history,” Arteta is unapologetic.

“We knew the importance of the individual duels at set plays because Chelsea are a top side attacking and defending them,” Arteta said. “Every team, to be fair. There is so much quality at set pieces in the Premier League. It’s very important. Today we did it. To have these options is great.”

Arsenal’s recent form, including victories over Tottenham and Chelsea, has them firmly in the quadruple hunt, with Arteta praising his team’s attitude and dominance. “We are really happy because we know we had two difficult games in the last week or so. The attitude and willingness to go for it and be dominant, I am happy with it. In March, we are in every competition, we are right up there.”

Chelsea, meanwhile, have now conceded nine goals from set-pieces in Liam Rosenior’s first 13 matches, five of them against Arsenal. The Blues’ woes were compounded by Pedro Neto’s dismissal for two second-half bookings, adding to Rosenior’s disciplinary frustrations.

Rosenior expressed his disappointment at his side’s inability to contain Arsenal at corners, despite preparing a new defensive scheme. “To concede two goals from set plays, that ultimately cost us the game, is very disappointing. We worked on a certain new scheme, and it didn’t work today. Arsenal are probably the best team in the world at them. It’s a combination—the marking, the zone players, the goalkeeper is involved. I will address it on the training ground.”

He also suggested that football’s laws may need revisiting to curb Arsenal’s pre-delivery holding tactics. “There is a rule that says there can’t be a foul while the ball is not in play. There’s a lot of holding and grappling that goes on before the ball is delivered. Set plays are massively important in this league… but we have to deal with it better.”