Set‑piece tension has come to define this Premier League campaign. February saw a chaotic melee as roughly 15 Manchester United and Everton players crowded the six‑yard box, with referees seemingly reluctant to intervene, a sentiment echoed by Everton boss David Moyes. UEFA refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti later warned that goalkeepers are under unprecedented pressure at corners, citing Arsenal’s aggressive crowding tactics.

Sunday’s West Ham‑Arsenal clash delivered the season’s most talked‑about VAR decision. Pablo was penalised for impeding goalkeeper David Raya, yet the video assistant referee overturned the call, preserving Arsenal’s 1‑0 victory and denting West Ham’s survival hopes. The incident featured five potential fouls, from Soucek’s clash with Havertz to Rice’s grip on Mavropanos, but only the Raya interference altered the result.

Arsenal’s set‑piece efficiency under Mikel Arteta underscores why they have netted 31 % of their 68 league goals from corners, a ratio that outstrips every other side. Their success has forced rivals such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham to adopt tighter six‑yard boxes, while VAR scrutiny of corner incidents remains at an all‑time high. The weekend’s controversy cemented corners as a decisive factor in the title race.