Wayne Rooney praises Arsenal despite ‘dark arts’ claims

March 10, 2026 Oliver Obel

Wayne Rooney has defended Arsenal’s use of set pieces after rival managers questioned the north London club’s physical approach during dead-ball situations.

Mikel Arteta’s side are chasing their first Premier League title in more than two decades, and their effectiveness from corners and free kicks has become a major talking point during the campaign.

According to GOAL.com, Arsenal have scored 22 of their 59 league goals from set pieces this season, including 16 from corners. The numbers underline how important those situations have become to their attacking play.

Across the league, set pieces are also playing an increasing role. Data shows they account for 27.1% of Premier League goals this season when penalties are excluded, highlighting a wider tactical shift in English football.

However, Arsenal’s success in those moments has drawn criticism from some opponents, who believe the team pushes the limits of what is allowed inside the penalty area when crowding defenders and goalkeepers.

Rooney praises Arsenal approach

Rooney dismissed those complaints while speaking on his BBC podcast, saying Arsenal’s style deserves more credit.

"I’ve heard a lot of people talking about Arsenal and the way they’re playing but I think they’ve been brilliant," Rooney said.

"Football is played in different ways. Man City have had spells when they were absolutely incredible, the same for my Man United team. But Arsenal have got a good mix, they’ve got different players who score goals, they’re hard to play against, they keep clean sheets. I actually enjoy watching them play."

The former Manchester United striker argued that exploiting set pieces is simply smart strategy.

"The set-pieces are part of football – why would you not use it? They put bodies in the box, if teams aren’t clever enough or haven’t got the players to deal with it, why wouldn’t Arsenal continue to do that? I would be doing it even more if I was Mikel Arteta. It’s part of the game and I love it – they don’t have to change anything," he said.

Critics question Arsenal’s methods

Some figures in the game have been far less supportive.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler previously accused Arsenal of "making their own rules" during set-piece situations, while former Premier League manager Alan Pardew suggested that if Arsenal were to win the title, an "asterisk" might accompany the achievement because "there is nothing beautiful about them."

Rooney rejected that criticism and pointed to his own experience of winning titles with Manchester United.

"The last league title we won, we wasn’t great as a team, but nobody is talking about that now. I don’t think Arsenal have been as bad as people are saying, I really don’t. I’m not saying this because I like Arsenal, I’m saying this because I think the criticism they’re received is very unfair."

Important fixtures ahead

While the debate continues, Arsenal face a crucial stretch of matches that could shape their season.

Arteta’s team travel to Germany to play Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, before returning to Premier League action against Everton.

Arsenal reached the knockout stage with a perfect group-stage record, strengthening belief that they can challenge for success both domestically and in Europe.

Sources: GOAL.com, BBC