A growing talking point in the Premier League is the heavy reliance on set-pieces and aggressive corner routines. During Manchester United’s 1–0 win over Everton, players were seen crowding goalkeeper Senne Lammens during corner kicks, creating scenes that resembled a wrestling contest.
Softfootball gathered, Many fans and pundits argue that this tactical pattern became more noticeable under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, where structured blocking, physical duels, and set-piece specialization turned corners into major attacking weapons. While Arteta did not “invent” set-piece routines, Arsenal’s efficiency from dead-ball situations brought significant attention to the strategy.
The debate centers on entertainment versus effectiveness. Football is seen as a spectacle, yet the pushing, grappling, and aggressive blocking during corners have made some matches feel overly physical. Critics argue that the Premier League may need clearer officiating standards to prevent excessive contact, as similar tactics were evident when Burnley F.C. held Chelsea F.C. to a 1–1 draw, again with heavy reliance on set-pieces.
