Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior plays down claims that Arsenal rely on set-pieces, as the London clubs prepare for Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge. Rosenior stresses that Arsenal offer
threats across the pitch, while also recognising the importance of defending dead balls in the last-four meeting.
Arsenal arrive six points clear at the top of the Premier League and have built a strong record from set-plays this season. However, Rosenior argues that focusing only on corners and free-kicks would be a mistake, given the variety in Arsenal’s attacking play and structure, especially in high-pressure knockout matches.
Rosenior rejects the "set-piece FC" tag that has followed Arsenal in recent weeks, insisting the league leaders pose a complete test. He says: "I don't know who's calling them set-piece FC. I'm definitely not. Arsenal are good at everything. They're a good team. You have to manage your 1% to be as good a team as you can, to win in as many different ways as possible. I respect them, and I think they'll respect us because we're a good team as well. "
The numbers highlight why that label has appeared yet also show Arsenal’s wider range. Arsenal have scored 12 goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season, excluding penalties. That total is joint-highest with Leeds United and Chelsea, underlining how all three sides use dead-ball situations as a major attacking route.
Expected goals data reflects the same trend. Leeds are the only side with a higher expected goals figure from set-plays than Arsenal, generating 10.1 xG compared with Arsenal’s 10.0. Set-pieces account for 26.9% of Arsenal’s total expected goals, showing a clear strength but not their entire attacking identity.
Shot volume offers more context. Arsenal have produced 88 efforts from set-pieces in the league, the fourth-highest figure. Yet those attempts represent 30% of their overall shots, which ranks only eighth in terms of reliance on dead balls. Manchester City are least dependent, with 20.6% of attempts from set-plays, while Burnley sit highest at 41.2%.
| Team | Set-piece goals (non-penalty) | Set-piece xG | % of team xG from set-pieces | Set-piece shots | % of total shots from set-pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 12 | 10.0 | 26.9% | 88 | 30.0% |
| Leeds United | 12 | 10.1 | – | – | – |
| Chelsea | 12 | – | – | – | – |
| Manchester City | – | – | – | – | 20.6% |
| Burnley | – | – | – | – | 41.2% |
Chelsea vs Arsenal EFL Cup semi-final set-pieces and tactics
Rosenior also praises Arsenal’s structure both in and out of possession, arguing that set-plays are only one element of a well-drilled side. He says: "They're a team who are very good without the ball. They have a really, really clear idea of the way they want to play with the ball. And on top of that, they're very well-organised with good deliveries on set-plays. That's what you want to be if you want to be successful. "
This semi-final continues a long EFL Cup rivalry between the clubs. Chelsea have advanced from four of six previous ties against Arsenal in the competition. This is their third semi-final meeting, with Chelsea winning the 1997-98 clash and Arsenal progressing in 2017-18, leaving the head-to-head balanced heading into Wednesday.
The other semi-final brings together Newcastle United and Manchester City, adding further interest to the competition’s final stages for neutral supporters. For Chelsea, though, the primary focus is handling Arsenal over two legs, starting at Stamford Bridge before the return, with a place in the final at stake.
Rosenior explains that preparation for Arsenal started as soon as he arrived, with detailed analysis across all phases. He says: "We've been working tactically on Arsenal from the moment I came into the club. We've watched all their games, analysed every aspect of their game, including the set-plays, which they're very good at. There's a lot you can affect. We talk about systems and tactics, but after being here for two days, I saw an attitude against Charlton that I really, really liked, in terms of our energy, our intensity in the press, winning duels. you're going to need that against a very, very good team. "
Rosenior therefore expects Chelsea’s intensity, pressing and work in duels to be as important as any set-piece plan. With Arsenal’s strength from dead balls clear, but their overall play also dangerous, Chelsea must balance detailed tactical work with the mindset shown against Charlton, as both clubs target a place in the EFL Cup final.
