Former Barcelona and Everton manager Ronald Koeman has sparked major debate after claiming that Arsenal secured the 2025/26 Premier League title largely thanks to their exceptional set-piece prowess, particularly from corner kicks.
“Arsenal have won the Premier League due to corner kicks. If it wasn’t for corner kicks, they wouldn’t have won the league.” – Ronald Koeman
The quote has gone viral, dividing opinions between those who see it as a backhanded compliment to Mikel Arteta’s side and others who view it as sour grapes from a rival coach.
Arsenal’s Record-Breaking Corner Kick Dominance
Koeman’s statement isn’t entirely without merit. Arsenal delivered a historic performance from dead-ball situations in the 2025/26 season:
- 18 goals from corner kicks — a new Premier League single-season record.
- Most corner goals in Europe’s top five leagues.
- Set-piece specialist Nicolas Jover has turned Arsenal into a set-piece machine.
These goals proved decisive in several tight matches, helping the Gunners edge out their title rivals in a highly competitive season.
Why Set Pieces Matter More Than Ever in the Premier League
Modern football has evolved, and set pieces now account for a massive percentage of goals across the top leagues. Arsenal under Arteta embraced this reality more effectively than any other team.
Key Arsenal Set-Piece Stars in 2025/26:
- Gabriel Magalhães — Aerial monster and consistent scorer from corners.
- Declan Rice & William Saliba — Physical presence in the box.
- Bukayo Saka & Martin Ødegaard — Deadly delivery from corners and free-kicks.
While Arsenal also dominated in open play with quality attacking football, their ability to punish opponents from corners gave them a significant edge — an “extra attacker” in many games.
Is Koeman Right? A Balanced View
Arguments supporting Koeman’s view:
- Arsenal scored nearly 15-20% of their goals from corners.
- They broke multiple set-piece records this season.
- In several key matches, late or crucial goals came directly from corners.
Counter arguments:
- Arsenal finished with the best overall squad depth, consistency, and tactical organization.
- They led the league in multiple statistical categories beyond set pieces.
- Title winners have always benefited from strong set-piece play (see Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea in previous years).
Calling it the only reason they won feels like an exaggeration, but there’s no denying set pieces were a game-changer.
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