Former Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has applauded Arsenal’s strength on set pieces, brushing aside criticism from rival teams, SportPremi reports.
The Gunners have become very prolific from set-pieces, scoring half of their 24 league goals from dead ball situations.
They recorded a comprehensive 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, scoring the opener from another set-piece as Jurrien Timber headed in a corner kick from Bukayo Saka.
- Read this: Werder Bremen manager defends Boniface amid criticism
- Tolu Arokodare opens up on slow start at Wolves
Mikel Arteta’s men sit top of both the English Premier League and the UCL and are on course to end their major trophy drought after a brilliant start to the 2025-26 campaign.
In the EPL, they have amassed 29 points from a possible 36 and are six points clear of second-placed Chelsea.
Impressively, they have a 100% record in Europe and are three points above European champions Paris Saint Germain after five matches and are on course to qualify automatically for the knockout stages.
Yakubu hails Arsenal’s proficiency from set-pieces
Arsenal have become more efficient from dead ball situations with set-piece coach Nicolas Jover exerting his influence on their style.
In an interview, former Everton forward Yakubu Aiyegbeni believes the Gunners must continue to grind out result and shun criticism of their playing style.
“It doesn’t matter how you win your games. You have to find a way to win your games. I remember back then, when you went to Stoke City where Rory Delap used to take long throw-ins, and it is the same again no”, the ‘Yak’ said.
“I think when you look at the way the Premier League is now compared to last year. They do play the long ball now, not like before when they just wanted to pass it. Most of the team now have to play long balls. So go for the second ball, go for the third ball.”
On the constant changes in football playing patterns
“It is getting changed by the day. You can’t just be passing and passing. You want to win games. So it depends on you. You want to play fancy football? You might not win a trophy. Play fancy football and end up relegated? It’s up to you”, the Super Eagles legend added.
“Then you get sacked. When you look at the teams now, they’re playing really, really good football. Passing short, long, short, long. The goalkeeper needs to be really, really good with his feet too. It’s better now than before.”
Arsenal’s title challenge will be put to test once again this weekend, with a top of the table clash against Chelsea on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
