Premier League rule change could hinder Arsenal from scoring plenty goals from set-pieces this season

Arsenal have the best goals-per-100-set-pieces record (5.7) in the Premier League since 2021 and scoring from dead ball situations has been one of their biggest strengths under manager Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners were the number one beneficiaries from set-pieces last term, scoring the most goals (22) from them excluding penalties and the most from corners (16).

Arsenal also conceded the second-fewest number of set-piece goals excluding penalties (six) during the campaign and it is no doubt a secret weapon they will look to make use of in 2024-25 as they go on the hunt for their first Premier League title since 2004.

However, they could struggle to replicate that success in front of goal this term following a rule change to set-pieces set to be introduced in the Premier League.

The offence of holding the opposition – blocking or obstructing – will be penalised more stringently in set pieces when an attacker is trying to stop the movement of an opponent.

Attempts to impede opponents during free kicks and corners will be clamped down on, with teams no longer allowed to be able to obstruct opponents.

Arsenal have become famous for obstructing or blocking opponents, including opposition goalkeepers during set pieces, with Ben White often getting the job done by annoying the opposition goalkeeper and with other dark arts.

The Gunners set-piece coach Nicolas Jover will need to come up with other routines as that will no longer be allowed going forward.

They scored twice from corners in their 2-0 win over Lyon in the Emirates Cup final last weekend, but that could prove difficult this season due to the rule change.

Arsenal notched 16 goals from corners last season and failure to make use of that weapon again in the new season could hamper their chances of pipping Manchester City to the title, which would be a huge blow.