Stats prove Arsenal aren’t what pundits say they are

Writer Dan Critchlow highlights that statistics refute pundit claims of Arsenal being reliant on set pieces during the 2026/27 campaign. Despite winning 10 of their first 12 matches across all competitions, the Gunners have not scored from a single corner or free-kick this season. Instead, Arsenal average 7.3 passes per goalscoring sequence across Europe's top-five leagues and UEFA competitions, ranking higher than any other side.

Critchlow notes this shift follows a 2025/26 title-winning season where Arsenal scored a record 19 Premier League set-piece goals. Arsenal's sole set-piece goal so far this term came from a penalty against Sunderland. While recent attempts by Gabriel Magalhaes, Bruno Guimaraes, and Riccardo Calafiori signal growing threat, Opta data confirms Arsenal generated 1.55 expected goals from corners without converting.