Arsenal dominated set-pieces last season, netting a Premier League-high 25 non-penalty set-piece goals to clinch the title. However, the new campaign sees them among four teams, including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest, yet to score a non-penalty set-piece goal after seven matches.

Last season, Arsenal achieved a record 19 goals from corners, marking five consecutive seasons with at least 15 set-piece goals. The change in fortune coincided with the hiring of Nicolas Jover as set-piece coach in 2021, praised for his innovative strategies.

Manager Mikel Arteta attributes the current drought to luck, stating, "We've done better things... but we have scored no goals. It's an element of luck sometimes... if we maintain that, we'll be in really good numbers."

Data from Opta indicates Arsenal ranks as one of the Premier League's biggest underperformers regarding expected goals from set-pieces, with 2.50 expected goals but no actual goals scored. Missed chances from players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes highlight this issue.

The Premier League's new rules against grappling during corners may have affected effectiveness, leading to an increase in free-kicks for defending teams. Arteta acknowledges the need for adaptation, while Arsenal's corner delivery has remained consistent.

Despite a drop in expected goals from 0.56 to 0.36 per game, Arsenal's average of 4.7 corners per game is the lowest in nine seasons, a 17% decrease from last year. A return to higher corner counts and improved finishing could revitalize their set-piece scoring.

While the dead-ball threat has diminished, Arsenal shows promise in open play, increasing their scoring and creativity. Although they need to address their set-piece shortcomings, the evidence suggests that goals will return, though possibly not at last season's record levels.