Arteta Adds Another Set Piece Coach – Are Arsenal Taking It Too Far?
Arsenal have hired throw-in expert Thomas Grønnemark to sharpen their set-piece edge. Is Arteta building a title-winning weapon or pushing the limits too far?
Stoke City were something else when it comes to throw-ins. Rory Delap would take a towel, wipe the ball, and send it into the box like a corner kick.
Between 2008 and 2013, most of the Premier League goals scored by Stoke City were from dead balls. It is even said that over 40% of their goals came from set pieces, in some seasons.
And now, almost two years later, Arsenal are compared to that Stoke team.
Reports reveal that Arsenal have asked for the services of Thomas Grønnemark, a throw-in specialist, as they continue to push for the title, and are still in other competitions.
The Dane once held the Guinness World Record for the longest throw-in at 51.33 metres in 2010, and at Liverpool, it is said that he helped Andy Robertson increase his throw distance from 19 metres to 27.
He basically changed how the then-Jürgen Klopp’s side retained possession from throw-ins, turning what is usually a 50-50 into dangerous attack.
Arsenal already have Nicolas Jover, who is one of the best in the game. Since he joined the club, the Gunners have become one of the most dangerous teams, in the world, when it comes to set-pieces.
At N5, Mikel Arteta has always been big on being clear with the smallest details. Some reports have said the Spaniard invited Royal Air Force fighter pilots to meet with his squad, so the team can learn how to work under pressure.
In the 2023-24 season, reports have it that the North London outfit scored 20 goals from set pieces.
The nickname “Set Piece FC” is now popular, but are Arsenal really doing it too much?
Why Arsenal are doing this
Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League in back-to-back seasons, pushed Manchester City as much as anyone in Pep Guardiola era, gone toe-to-toe with Europe’s top teams in the Champions League; but they still don't have any major trophies to show for it.
Arteta is now in his sixth full season at the club. He has built a squad and an identity, but history will ask, What has he has won?
As of January 2026, Arsenal are still top of the league, Champions League, and are doing well in domestic competitions. And in those competitions, one goal can make all the difference in a season, and one corner could change the title race. That’s exactly why Grønnemark was brought in!
Arsenal’s Set-Pieces
Nicolas Jover has been able to build a system for any style of open play. But so far with the club, you can see you cannot always rely on set-pieces.
Recently, in about ten matches, the team couldn't score any goal from set pieces in ten matches, across all competitions.
If Arsenal win the league this season, people will praise these signings. If they don't again, people will ask questions.
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