Arsenal supporters defend clubs set piece tactics following media criticism over physical play and dark arts

Arsenal supporters push back against claims that the clubs set piece dominance and physical tactics are ruining the Premier League.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 6:08 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Football365

The Backlash Against Set Piece Mastery

Arsenal has recently become the center of a heated debate regarding the aesthetic and ethical state of modern football. Critics have accused the North London club of "rotting" their way to victories through a heavy reliance on set pieces and "dark arts" such as shirt pulling, goalkeeper obstruction, and time wasting. This scrutiny followed a series of matches where Arsenal’s aerial efficiency proved decisive, leading to claims that the "beautiful game" is being replaced by a more cynical and physical approach.

Supporters Frame Tactics as Modern Evolution

In response to the criticism, Arsenal fans have argued that their teams approach is a necessary adaptation to a Premier League that has become tactically oversaturated. Some supporters suggest that because teams now analyze each other to the point of canceling out open play, set pieces represent one of the few remaining avenues for maximizing attacking chances. They frame Mikel Arteta’s use of a specialist set piece coach as a mark of technical sophistication rather than a regression to "stone age" football.

Claims of Biased Media Narratives

Many fans have pointed to what they perceive as a double standard in sports journalism. They contrast the "statement win" narrative often applied to Manchester City’s narrow victories with the "collapse around the corner" framing used for Arsenal’s gritty performances. Supporters contend that when managers like José Mourinho utilized similar defensive and physical strategies, they were hailed as tactical geniuses, yet Arteta faces accusations of "cheating" for prioritizing efficiency and results over neutral entertainment.