Arsenal's 'Set Piece FC' claims dismissed by Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior

January 13, 2026 • 0 • min read

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Arsenal's 'Set Piece FC' claims dismissed by Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior

Newly appointed Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has dismissed suggestions that Arsenal are "taking the game back in time" by placing a heavy emphasis on set pieces under Mikel Arteta.

Speaking on Monday, two days before the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, Rosenior rejected the growing "Set Piece FC" label attached to the Gunners.

I don't know who's calling them 'Set Piece FC' - I'm definitely not.

Arsenal Thriving on All Fronts Under Arteta

Arsenal arrive at the semi-final in formidable form.

Arteta's side sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League and boast a perfect record in the Champions League league phase, winning all six of their matches.

With no silverware since lifting the FA Cup in 2020, Arsenal are widely viewed as serious contenders on multiple fronts this season, and their efficiency from dead-ball situations has been a major factor.

Set-piece routines have been a clear area of focus for Arteta, and Arsenal are now among the most dangerous teams in England from corners and free-kicks, particularly with Gabriel Magalhães back fit and leading the aerial threat.

'They're Good at Everything'

Rosenior was quick to stress that Arsenal's strengths go far beyond set plays.

Arsenal are good at everything. They're a good team.

It's not about taking the game back in time. You manage your 1% to be as good a team to win as many different ways as possible.

The Chelsea boss also highlighted Arsenal's organisation and tactical clarity both in and out of possession.

They're a team who are very good without the ball.

They have a really, really clear idea in the way they want to play with the ball. And on top of that, they're very, very well organised with good delivery on set plays. That's what you want to be if you want to be successful.

Rosenior's Chelsea Era Begins

Rosenior was appointed last week, replacing Enzo Maresca, and enjoyed an emphatic start to life in the Chelsea dugout with a 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Arsenal tie will represent his first major test at Stamford Bridge, with a place in the League Cup final at stake.

Other Semi-Final

The other Carabao Cup semi-final sees Newcastle United face Manchester City, with the first leg taking place at St James' Park on Tuesday night.

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