Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have long been recognized for their meticulous approach to set pieces, but a recent evolution in their corner routines has captured widespread attention and sparked endless debate across social media and football circles. The tactic, often humorously dubbed the “circle formation”, involves Arsenal players positioning themselves in a tight, circular cluster around the opposition goalkeeper and key defenders during corners. This seemingly simple maneuver creates a wall of bodies that disrupts zonal marking, blocks the keeper’s path, and opens space for targeted runs and headers.

The routine stems from Arsenal’s collaboration with set-piece specialist Nicolas Jover, who joined from Manchester City in 2021 and has transformed the Gunners into one of the Premier League’s deadliest teams from dead-ball situations. Under Arteta’s direction, Arsenal have scored a disproportionate number of goals from corners in recent seasons, with data showing they lead the league in set-piece efficiency. In the 2025/26 campaign, half of their goals have come from set pieces, including a string of corner conversions that rely on disruption rather than traditional aerial duels.

The “circle” tactic works by having multiple Arsenal players—often including strong aerial threats like Gabriel, William Saliba, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz—form a loose ring around the six-yard box as the corner is taken. This crowding forces opposition defenders to deal with multiple threats simultaneously: marking runners, preventing fouls, and protecting the goalkeeper. The keeper’s movement becomes restricted, making it harder to claim high balls or react quickly to flick-ons. Meanwhile, key Arsenal players make blindside runs or position for second-phase opportunities, exploiting the chaos created by the initial cluster.

Critics on platforms like Reddit and X have accused Arsenal of borderline fouling, particularly when players appear to impede the goalkeeper’s path. Comments like “Don’t understand how Arsenal is allowed to crowd foul the opposing GK during corners” reflect frustration from rival fans, who argue referees often turn a blind eye. However, Arteta and Jover insist the routines stay within the rules, focusing on legal blocking and positioning rather than direct contact. The Premier League’s interpretation of obstruction allows for bodies in space as long as no explicit pushing or holding occurs, giving Arsenal leeway to push boundaries.

This approach builds on Arsenal’s established corner principles: orientation (positioning players to attack specific zones), disruption (crowding to unsettle markers), misdirection (fake runs to draw defenders away), isolation (clearing paths for main threats), and framing (creating screens for headers). In many routines, Gabriel acts as the central runner steaming toward the six-yard box, often with minimal guarding due to the confusion caused by the surrounding players. The delivery—typically inswinging from Bukayo Saka or Martin Ødegaard—targets the front or back post, where the circular setup ensures multiple bodies are in prime position to attack the ball.

The tactic’s effectiveness is evident in recent matches. Arsenal’s set-piece prowess has ground down low-block teams, winning corners through sustained pressure and converting them at a high rate. Analysts note that opposition defenses struggle to adapt because the “circle” forces them to choose between marking tightly (risking collisions with their own keeper) or dropping off (leaving space). Three years into consistent use of similar crowding elements, many teams still haven’t fully countered it, leading to comical moments where defenders run into their own goalkeeper while trying to track Arsenal runners.

Arteta’s philosophy emphasizes detail in every phase. He has praised Jover as a “genius” whose methods add immense value, and the pair constantly vary routines to keep opponents guessing. Some corners feature short options or switches, but the aggressive, crowd-heavy ones remain a staple against parked buses. The Gunners’ high territorial dominance generates more set pieces, amplifying the impact of these routines. Data from sources like Coaches’ Voice and The Athletic highlight how Arsenal lead in expected goals from corners, with Gabriel’s runs and Rice’s headers proving lethal.

Rival managers have taken notice. Some, like Diego Simeone, have experimented with formations to neutralize Arsenal’s threats, but the “circle” continues to pay dividends. Fan reactions range from admiration—”If it works, it works”—to mockery, with viral posts showing Arsenal players “dancing around together” or forming a “big circle” that leaves keepers isolated. Memes comparing it to tactical trolling have flooded Instagram, Threads, and Facebook, where clips of the setup rack up thousands of shares.

Beyond the humor, the tactic underscores Arsenal’s evolution under Arteta. From a team once criticized for set-piece frailty, they have become masters of the art, blending innovation with execution. The circle isn’t just about numbers in the box; it’s about creating confusion, exploiting rules, and turning dead balls into high-probability chances. As the season progresses, expect opponents to study footage closely, but Arteta’s adaptability—switching routines mid-game or adding long-throw elements—suggests the Gunners will stay one step ahead.

For Arsenal supporters, every corner now brings anticipation rather than dread. The sight of players forming that tight ring signals opportunity, a testament to meticulous planning and collective belief. In an era where set pieces decide titles, Arteta’s circle of chaos may prove the difference in the race for silverware.