Overview
- Wayne Rooney labeled the recent scrutiny "very unfair" and urged Mikel Arteta to persist with — and even increase — set-piece tactics.
- Alan Shearer rejected the negativity, highlighting Arsenal’s strong form across competitions and their seven-point Premier League lead.
- Coverage cites data showing 22 of Arsenal’s 59 goals this season have come from set pieces, including 16 from corners, fueling the debate.
- Critics such as Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler and Alan Pardew have accused Arsenal of pushing the rules, with Pardew saying any title could warrant an "asterisk."
- Arsenal now face a Champions League last-16 first leg at Bayer Leverkusen before meeting Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on March 22.