Arsenal sits atop the 2025-26 Premier League standings, leading the pack after 21 matches. They’ve got 49 points from 15 wins, 4 draws, and just 2 losses. A six-point cushion over Manchester City and Aston Villa, both on 43 points, puts them in a strong position. But talk around the league isn’t just about their lead. The question is: Could Arsenal become the set-pieciest, own-goaliest Premier League champions ever?
The Gunners are setting strange records. They lead the league in set-piece goals scored. They also lead in own goals conceded. It’s a weird combo that has fans buzzing and analysts scratching their heads. This high-wire act defines their season so far.
The Set-Piece Dynamo
Arsenal’s dominance comes from a solid attack and defense. But their set-piece game stands out. They’ve scored 18 set-piece goals this season in the league. That’s the highest total. It accounts for around 35% of their 52 goals overall. These include corners, free-kicks, and penalties. Defenders Gabriel Magalhães has 5 set-piece goals, and William Saliba has 3 headers from corners. These guys are crucial.
Credit for this goes to set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. He joined from Manchester City in 2021. Arsenal upgraded Jover’s unit in July 2025, adding an ex-Brighton analyst. Jover refined their routines. He focused on disrupting zonal marking and near-post flick-ons. Pre-season friendlies showed this, with 7 set-piece goals in 5 games.
Mikel Arteta praises this aspect. After the Sunderland win, he said, “Nicolas [Jover] and the boys deserve credit – 18 now, and climbing.” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, after their draw, commented, “Arsenal’s set-pieces are the best I’ve seen – structured chaos. Their lead is deserved.” Arsenal’s set-piece prowess is undeniable, making them a threat from any dead-ball situation, as ESPN reported.
The Own Goal Enigma
On the flip side, Arsenal has conceded 6 own goals. This matches Wolverhampton Wanderers for the league’s highest tally. These mishaps account for 12% of their 26 goals conceded. That’s high for a team chasing a title.
Some notable incidents have occurred. Ben White deflected one against Fulham on Matchday 3. Saliba looped one in against Tottenham on Matchday 7. Gabriel’s shin padded a free-kick past David Raya versus Chelsea. Thomas Partey had a backpass go wrong against Newcastle. Declan Rice misplaced a pass against Liverpool. And Jurrien Timber sliced a cross against Manchester City.
Defender Gabriel Magalhães spoke after his own goal: “It happens in battles. We park it, move on.” Goalkeeper David Raya noted, “Six own goals sting, but our +26 GD shows resilience. Clean sheets coming.” Liverpool manager Arne Slot called these own goals “anomalies; Arsenal are machines otherwise.”
Historically, no Premier League champion has led in both set-piece goals scored and own goals conceded simultaneously. Opta analysts project Arsenal could finish with 8-9 own goals, which would be the highest for a top-four team.
A Title Race on a Tightrope
Arsenal holds a six-point lead with 17 games left. This is their best position at this stage since 2004. They prepare for Matchday 22 against Crystal Palace on January 18. No key injuries impact their set-piece threats. Jover is extending routines with VAR-proof zones. The own goal trend has stopped in the last three games. Defensive drills are a focus at Colney.
Mikel Arteta discussed the situation after the Liverpool draw. “Set-pieces win titles – we’ve worked relentlessly on them. Own goals? Unfortunate moments, but we learn. No excuses; focus on patterns.” Broadcast partners, including ESPN, project Arsenal to win the title with 92 points. They believe the set-piece advantage outweighs the errors.
Rivals face tough schedules. Manchester City hosts Liverpool on January 25. Aston Villa travels to Chelsea on January 19. Arsenal’s remaining fixtures include double encounters against top-six opponents. This will test their unique statistical profile. Fans and pundits discuss the irony. Could they be the set-pieciest ever? Yes. Own-goaliest champions? It’s possible if they keep their composure.
Legacy in the Making?
Arsenal’s current numbers are striking. 18 set-piece goals out of 52 total goals (34.6%). 6 own goals conceded out of 26 total (23.1%). If they become champions, they are on pace to set records for both. They could beat Manchester City’s 22 set-piece goals from 2021-22. They might also top Stoke’s 9 own goals from 2017-18, though Stoke wasn’t a champion. Manchester United’s 2012-13 side holds the record for most set-piece goals by a champion with 23. Arsenal is close to surpassing that.
This mix of innovative attack and human error makes Arsenal a fascinating title favorite. They’ve got good squad depth with players like Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice. No suspensions or bans have affected the squad. No other team matches both these extremes, according to trusted metrics. Arsenal’s journey is a high-wire act, but they are favorites. This season might just rewrite the record books in more ways than one.
Govind Singh 
Tanya Singh 
Baishali Karmakar