Arsenal are not just winning, they’re dominating. Critics might sneer and call them “Set-Piece FC,” but as Micah Richards perfectly put it, “People are calling Arsenal Set-piece FC, but it doesn’t matter, win the game however you need to win them. That’s the most important thing. Arsenal are finding ways to win games and that’s why they have a strong case for winning the league.”
And he’s right. In a season where every contender has shown cracks, Arsenal’s consistency and adaptability are setting them apart.
Manchester City might be scoring freely, but their heavy reliance on Erling Haaland, 11 of their 17 Premier League goals, is a warning sign. If Haaland doesn’t score, they struggle. Not sustainable. Liverpool’s defensive issues are another red flag, just two clean sheets all season. Again, not sustainable. And Spurs? Only four points at home. That’s title-ending form.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are showing what a complete, balanced side looks like. Their solidity at the back has been remarkable, just one goal conceded in their last seven games across all competitions, that lone goal coming from a corner against Newcastle United.
That defensive strength is the cornerstone of their rise to the top of the Premier League table. As one journalist recently asked, “How will you describe Arsenal this season in a nutshell?”
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner didn’t hold back: “I have never seen such a complete team in my life that is very dominant in all aspects of the game than this Arsenal side…”
And the numbers back him up. Arsenal currently rank first in all major defensive metrics, a testament to their tactical discipline and collective hunger.
It’s not just about clean sheets, it’s about attitude. Defender Gabriel Magalhães summed up the team’s mentality perfectly when he said, “We want to bring the energy to our teammates. I’m a defender so I want to defend with my heart. When William Saliba does a tackle, we want to celebrate together because the opponent needs to feel we are here.”
That passion, that unity, that’s what makes Arsenal special this season.
Call them Set-Piece FC if you like. But this Arsenal side doesn’t care what anyone calls them, as long as the final whistle keeps blowing in their favour.
