Arsenal's set-piece prowess proved decisive again in their 2-1 victory over Chelsea, with two goals from corner routines securing three crucial points. The Gunners now lead the Premier League by five points, having scored 16 goals from corners this season - the joint-most in a single campaign. William Saliba and Jurrien Timber were the unlikely heroes, nodding home deliveries from Declan Rice and Gabriel respectively.

Despite the win, questions persist about Arsenal's style of play. Former title winner Chris Sutton called them potentially "the ugliest Premier League-winning team in history," while Patrick Vieira noted the lack of open-play chances. However, manager Mikel Arteta defended the approach, saying: "It's not ugly, you have to play the game that is there for you to play." Arsenal's set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has been instrumental in developing these routines since joining from Brentford.

Arsenal's reliance on set-pieces is stark - only two other teams have reached double figures in corner goals this season, while 13 sides have scored less than half of Arsenal's tally. With nine matches remaining in their title bid, the Gunners must navigate this tension between effectiveness and aesthetics. As former teammate Leon Osman noted, "If your strength is set-pieces, you try to win set-pieces and score from them and they're very good at it, very effective."