Arsenal F.C. remain top of the Premier League and head into the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League full of confidence. As they prepare to face Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the Gunners are once again expected to rely on one of their most potent weapons this season: set pieces.

Few teams have been as effective from dead-ball situations as Arsenal this campaign. Despite criticism from some quarters about their reliance on goals outside open play, Mikel Arteta’s side have embraced their strength, repeatedly demonstrating that their efficiency from corners and free kicks can be decisive in the title race.

Innovation from Set Pieces

While most teams aim to score occasionally from corners or free kicks, Arsenal have gone a step further by building a major part of their attacking strategy around them. As of March 2, the North London side had scored 21 set-piece goals in the Premier League — more than any other club.

Their success is built on several factors: aggressive marking in the box, the aerial dominance of their defenders and forwards, and the high-quality delivery of their set-piece takers.

Training sessions are carefully designed to perfect these routines, ensuring players know exactly where to move and how to attack the ball. Arteta has made it clear that he has no problem with the criticism surrounding this approach.

“In the past, when we put together a game plan, we would simply switch a defender and add an extra midfielder,” Arteta said after a derby victory over Chelsea F.C. that Arsenal won 2–1 thanks to two goals from corners.

“Now teams adapt. After every phase — whether it’s a throw-in, a restart, open play or direct play — teams know exactly what they need to do.”

The Nicolas Jover Effect

Much of the credit for Arsenal’s set-piece mastery goes to specialist coach Nicolas Jover. The Frenchman has crafted the tactical framework behind the Gunners’ routines, helping turn dead-ball situations into one of the club’s biggest attacking threats.

With delivery from players such as Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice aimed at powerful aerial targets like Viktor Gyökeres, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, Arsenal frequently make their opportunities count.

Sixteen of their set-piece goals in the Premier League have come from corners alone, underlining just how dangerous they are in these situations.

Arsenal’s reputation from dead balls has become so strong that it also carries a psychological edge. Opponents often enter matches knowing they must survive constant pressure whenever the Gunners win a corner.

A Weapon for Europe

That threat will likely be on full display against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday. While Arsenal will still look to create chances from open play, their ability from corners and free kicks could again prove crucial.

With the season entering its decisive phase and silverware within reach, Arteta’s side are unlikely to abandon the strategy that has served them so well — especially when it could be the key to advancing further in Europe.