Why Arsenal are struggling AGAIN in January: Bukayo Saka's worrying stats, why 'Set-piece FC' tag is now a burden, how the fans are making things worse and the one glaring problem that still hasn't be
So, why do Arsenal start to slump at this time of year — and can they shake it off this season? Set-piece reliance‘Set-piece FC’ is the term widely used by rival fans to mock Arsenal — and there is some credence to it. What pressure?’ Except there is pressure, real pressure which has hampered this team over the last few years — and could do so once again. At Arsenal, there is a feeling of having to win the Premier League, not wanting to win it. In the league, Arsenal have a lower expected goals (xG) total from open play (25.9), than City (32.3), Liverpool (29.8), Chelsea (28.5) and United (28.1).
Source: Metro January 27, 2026 14:03 UTC
