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Leverkusen Coach Questions Legality Of Arsenal’s Set-Piece Tactics

They equalled the Premier League single-season record for goals from corners with two in their 2-1 win over Chelsea to reach 16 for the campaign.

By Channels Television
Updated March 10, 2026
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Arsenal players celebrate as Arsenal’s Spanish midfielder #23 Mikel Merino scores a late equaliser during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 25, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)

 

Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand questioned whether Champions League opponent Arsenal’s set-piece tactics are legal ahead of Wednesday’s last-16 first-leg tie in Germany.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Hjulmand asked whether blocking opponents should be permitted, particularly with the influence of set pieces in the game growing.

“It’s a big challenge but I have to say, I’m a bit confused by these offensive blocks. I don’t know if it’s allowed under the rules when the ball is very far away,” Hjulmand told reporters.

Mikel Arteta’s side sit on top of the Premier League thanks in large part to their success from set-pieces.

They equalled the Premier League single-season record for goals from corners with two in their 2-1 win over Chelsea to reach 16 for the campaign.

In the Champions League, Arsenal won eight from eight to finish atop the 36-team table.

READ ALSO: Man City To Face Liverpool, Southampton Host Arsenal In FA Cup Quarter-Finals

Bayer Leverkusen’s Danish head coach Kasper Hjulmand attends a press conference prior to the UEFA Champions League – last 16 first leg soccer match Bayer Leverkusen (GER) v Arsenal (ENG) at BayArena in Leverkusen on March 10, 2026. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP)

 

“We also do it, so it’s not just something others do. But it’s getting more and more common in football,” Hjulmand said of the practice.

“There are very many blocks and they (Arsenal) create a lot of chances as a result of it.

“They do it very well and spend a lot of time on these situations. They’re one of the best teams in these situations and they work with it a lot.”

The Dane said he thought blocks were only permitted close to the ball.

“As I understand football, when you do body checks the ball has to be inside a playing situation.

“So I’m just wondering — is it inside the rules to actually block without the ball being close to you. Creating space, pushing players, pushing the goalkeeper?”

Hjulmand was the latest to join the chorus critical of Arsenal’s tactics.

Earlier in March, Brighton coach Fabian Huerzeler hit out at Arsenal’s time wasting, saying “only one team wanted to play football” in their 1-0 defeat to the league leaders.

Arsenal’s English midfielder #41 Declan Rice, Arsenal’s Swedish striker #14 Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal’s German midfielder #29 Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s English defender #89 Marli Salmon, Arsenal’s Belgian midfielder #19 Leandro Trossard and Arsenal’s English midfielder #20 Noni Madueke take part in a team training session at the Arsenal training centre in London Colney, north of London, on March 10, 2026, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League, Last 16, first-leg football match against Leverkusen in Germany. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

 

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton questioned whether Arsenal could be the “ugliest” Premier League winners in history after their victory over Chelsea.

But the Premier League leaders have embraced the criticism, with fans chanting “set-piece again, ole, ole”.

Before the Brighton clash, Arteta told reporters he is “upset that we don’t score more” from dead-ball situations.

AFP

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