‘It doesn’t matter how you win’ – Yakubu Ayegbeni backs Arsenal’s set-piece strategy

Former Everton striker Yakubu Ayegbeni has defended Arsenal’s reliance on set pieces, insisting their approach is effective as long as it delivers victories.

The Gunners’ dominance from corners and free kicks was again evident in their recent clash with Bayern Munich, where Jurrien Timber scored after just 22 minutes from a well-rehearsed corner, a routine practiced extensively on Arsenal’s training ground.

Arsenal have scored exactly half of their 24 goals this season from set pieces, prompting warnings from opponents.

Bayern’s striker Harry Kane advised teammates to avoid conceding corners, while Joshua Kimmich noted that Arsenal “rely on set-pieces” and “love long balls.”

Despite this, Bayern struggled to neutralize Arsenal’s threat, highlighting how even well-prepared opponents find it difficult to counter their tactics.

Speaking to Tribal Football via Sports Casting, Ayegbeni was asked whether Arsenal were over-reliant on set pieces.

He compared the Gunners to past Premier League sides, recalling Stoke City’s Rory Delap and his long throw-ins.

“It doesn’t matter how you win your games. You have to find a way to win your games…Most of the team now have to play long balls. So go for the second ball, go for the third ball,” he said.

Arsenal currently top both the Premier League and Champions League tables, demonstrating the effectiveness of their style.

Ayegbeni emphasized that tactical decisions are ultimately the manager’s responsibility.

“It is getting changed by the day. You can’t just be passing and passing. You want to win games. So it depends on you. You want to play fancy football? You might not win a trophy,” he said.