Arsenal’s Set-Piece Dominance Makes Them Favourites for Premier League Title

As we head into matchday eight of the Premier League, Arsenal have emerged as favourites to claim the title, according to bookmakers. Despite sitting third in the table, just one point behind the leaders, their ability to navigate a tough start to the season has kept them in pole position. A key factor in their success? Their dominance from set-pieces.

Arsenal Leading the Premier League in Set-Piece Goals

Arsenal have been a force to be reckoned with from dead-ball situations. Since the start of last season, the Gunners have scored 25 goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties), the most in the Premier League. This total includes the own goal by Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi during Arsenal’s 4-2 win last month. With Mikel Arteta’s side scoring four goals from set-pieces already this campaign, their threat in the air continues to be a valuable weapon.

Everton are second on the set-piece scoring chart with 22 goals, but Arsenal’s superior aerial presence sets them apart. Arteta’s men have had 15 shots directly from set-piece deliveries this season, ranking fifth in the league for such attempts. However, it’s not just about quantity—it’s the quality of the players involved.

Saka and Rice: Arsenal’s Creative Set-Piece Duo

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are the primary corner takers for Arsenal, with the team opting for inswinging balls to create danger in the box. Rice’s expected assists (xA) total 1.23, but it’s Saka who stands out as the main creative force. His xA of 6.07 is the highest in the Premier League, helping him tally seven assists so far this season.

Saka’s delivery from the right-hand side has been crucial, and with his pinpoint accuracy, Arsenal have consistently made the most of their set-piece opportunities.

Gabriel and Havertz: Aerial Threats to Watch

Arsenal’s aerial dominance doesn’t stop with their corner takers. Seven of the Gunners’ starting eleven in their last match stood over 182cm tall, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz being the standout threats in the opposition box.

Gabriel, who scored the winner against Tottenham from a corner, has been prolific in the air, recording five shots from set-pieces in his last two games. His non-penalty expected goals (xG) places him in the top 1% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues.

Meanwhile, Kai Havertz has been just as dangerous, winning 3.65 aerial duels per game over the last 12 months. His 193cm frame has made him a constant threat, particularly from headed efforts, and he should fancy his chances against Bournemouth this weekend. Bournemouth have been vulnerable to set-piece goals, allowing Taylor Harwood-Bellis to score from a header in their last home match.

Arsenal Poised for Success Against Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side rank third in the Premier League for fouls per game, giving Arsenal even more opportunities to deliver from set-pieces. With Gabriel and Havertz in top form, expect the Gunners to capitalise on these dead-ball situations and maintain their momentum in the title race.

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

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