Former Chelsea captain John Terry has criticized remarks made by ex-teammate John Obi Mikel regarding Arsenal and their effectiveness from set-pieces, sparking a fresh debate among football fans and pundits.
Mikel had recently suggested that Arsenal’s heavy reliance on set-pieces as a scoring weapon might not be sustainable at the highest level, arguing that elite teams should focus more on open-play creativity. His comments came during a discussion analyzing Arsenal’s recent run of goals from corners and free kicks.
Terry argued that well-drilled routines from dead-ball situations require just as much tactical preparation and discipline as goals scored in open play.
“Scoring from set-pieces is not luck,” Terry said. “It’s hours on the training ground, organization, and intelligence. If a team is that good at it, you should praise them.”
Arsenal have become one of the most dangerous teams in the league from corners and indirect free kicks this season, with their coaching staff reportedly placing significant emphasis on rehearsed routines. Analysts have noted that their success has been built on precise deliveries, smart blocking runs, and strong aerial threats inside the penalty area.
Terry, who built his own legendary career partly on scoring headers from corners, pointed out that historically many great teams relied on set-pieces to win tight matches.
“If you look back at the top teams in the past, they all had this weapon,” he added. “It wins titles because in big games you might only get one chance.”
Mikel’s remarks nevertheless generated discussion among fans, with some agreeing that Arsenal must also prove they can consistently break teams down in open play during decisive fixtures.
Despite the disagreement, both former Chelsea stars acknowledged that Arsenal’s improvement in dead-ball situations has made them far more dangerous and difficult to defend.
As the title race intensifies, Arsenal’s set-piece threat could continue to play a decisive role — whether critics like it or not. ⚽
