Key Highlights
- Artem Kravets of WhoScored provides a detailed breakdown of goals scored from open play in the 2025/26 Premier League season.
- Arsenal leads with 22 goals from open play, but their reliance on set-pieces has led to skepticism among some fans and analysts.
- Manchester City tops the list overall with 31 goals from open play, showcasing their prowess in creating opportunities during possession.
The Arsenal Dilemma: Set-Pieces vs. Open Play
Arsenal’s dominance in set-piece scenarios is undeniable. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have scored 17 goals from corners and free-kicks, earning them a well-deserved spot at the top of the open-play goals table. However, their performance during open play has been inconsistent, with only nine goals from fluid moves.
This disparity has sparked debate among fans and critics alike.
You might think this is new, but… Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces isn’t a novel strategy; it’s part of the manager’s playbook to create pressure and exploit opponents’ weaknesses. Yet, it leaves them vulnerable when in possession, as evidenced by their low open-play goal tally.
Manchester City: The Premier League’s Creative Leader
Manchester City reigns supreme with 31 goals from open play, a testament to their mastery of fluid football. Despite the absence of a clear-cut number nine, Pep Guardiola’s side has managed to find ways to create and convert chances efficiently. This is in stark contrast to Arsenal, who might be seen as a set-piece powerhouse but struggle when everything isn’t perfect.
But it’s not just about numbers; City’s ability to transition from defense to attack smoothly underlines their tactical brilliance. Their 15 goals from counters further highlight this versatility, showing they can exploit opposition mistakes effectively.
Other Notable Teams: A Mixed Bag
Brighton and Hove Albion have managed 23 open-play goals, a respectable number that speaks to their creative flair. Fulham and Tottenham also show promise with 20 each, indicating they are not far behind the top teams in terms of generating quality chances.
However, some clubs like Wolves and Everton struggle significantly, scoring just over half their total from set-pieces. Their misfiring forwards have contributed to this disparity, making their survival in the Premier League a precarious affair.
The Arsenal Problem: A Deeper Look
Arsenal’s next big move could be key; Ethan Nwaneri’s potential transfer to Marseille and the buzz surrounding Julian Alvarez suggest they are open to change. Yet, the question remains: can they become more consistent in open play? Arteta might need to address this if he wants to challenge for titles beyond set-pieces.
It’s an uphill battle, but one that Arsenal must face.
Their performance from open play could decide whether they maintain their competitive edge or find themselves struggling against top teams who rely less on dead-ball situations.
The data speaks volumes: while Arsenal can be a nightmare to defend in set-pieces, their inconsistency during open play is a significant challenge. The question is, will they overcome this hurdle and become well-rounded contenders? Only time—and perhaps some strategic changes—will tell.
