Set pieces are dominating the Premier League this season, with almost 30% of goals coming from corners, free-kicks, penalties or long throws. The leaders, Arsenal, are kings of the dead ball, scoring 17 of their 40 league goals from set pieces (including penalties). But what makes Mikel Arteta’s side so effective in these areas, and what can opponents do to stop them? The data provides some answers.

Rice and Saka in the swing

Arsenal have scored 19 goals from corners in all competitions this season. Much of the credit for that goes to their primary corner takers, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. Taking corners from the left with his right foot, Rice has created eight goals, compared with five from Saka, who offers left-foot deliveries from the right. The vast majority of Arsenal’s corners (81%) are in-swinging, and statistically more likely to lead to a goal than out-swinging deliveries. Arteta learned the ropes under Pep Guardiola, but whereas the Manchester City manager has generally favoured out-swinging or short corners to maintain possession, his former assistant has opted for a more aggressive stance.

Getting it in the...