Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal embrace their set-piece prowess as two corner goals secure a vital 2-1 victory, moving them five points clear at the Premier League summit.

MIKEL ARTETA declared Arsenal are happy to embrace their ‘Set-Piece FC’ nickname after two corner routines secured a vital 2-1 Premier League win against Chelsea on Sunday.

Headers from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber at the Emirates Stadium moved the Gunners five points clear at the top of the table.

Arsenal have now scored 16 goals from corners this season, equalling the Premier League record set by Oldham and West Bromwich Albion.

Jubilant home fans celebrated by chanting “set-piece again, ole, ole” as their team’s defining characteristic fuels a first title charge since 2004.

Chelsea’s only reply came from a Piero Hincapie own goal from a Reece James corner on the stroke of half-time, cancelling out Saliba’s opener.

The visitors’ failure to contain Arsenal’s set-pieces proved costly, having now conceded nine goals from dead balls in manager Liam Rosenior’s first 13 matches.

Five of those have been against Arsenal, with Rosenior admitting a new defensive scheme prepared for this game did not work.

“To concede two goals from set plays, that ultimately cost us the game, is very disappointing,” Rosenior said.

“We conceded from a corner against Burnley last weekend as well. It’s something that is costing us points.”

Arsenal’s mastery was orchestrated by set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, underlining his growing reputation with another tactical masterclass.

Arteta had no qualms about emphasising the tactic’s value in a tight title race.

“We knew the importance of the individual duels at set plays because Chelsea are a top side attacking and defending them,” the Arsenal boss said.

“Every team to be fair. There is so much quality at set pieces in the Premier League. To have these options is great.”

Not everyone is enamoured with the set-piece barrage fuelling Arsenal’s charge, however.

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton was scathing about their reliance on the tactic in his BBC Radio Five Live commentary.

“Set-piece Arsenal, again. I think they are going to win it,” Sutton said.

“If they get over the line, will they be the ugliest Premier League winning team in history? The performance wasn’t there.”

Rosenior suggested football’s lawmakers might need to review rules to combat teams like Arsenal, who perfect holding opponents before delivery.

“There is a rule that says there can’t be a foul while the ball is not in play. There’s lot of holding and grappling,” he said.

“Set plays are massively important in this league. It is something that needs to be looked at. But we have to deal with it better.”

Chelsea’s misery was compounded by a red card for Pedro Neto, shown two second-half bookings, extending a poor disciplinary record Rosenior vowed to “eradicate”.

Despite Manchester City having a game in hand and hosting Arsenal in April, Arteta’s faith is understandable as his team contends for an unprecedented quadruple.

“We are really happy because we know we had two difficult games in the last week or so,” Arteta said, referencing wins over Tottenham and Chelsea.

“In March, we are in every competition, we are right up there.”

 The Sun Malaysia