Premier League is the toughest league in the World. According to UEFA's club co-efficient, Premier League is above any other league in Europe. Hence, it keeps on producing lesser chances to score against tougher oppositions. Therefore, scoring from a set piece is quite an easier option when comes to net the ball. Premier League has seen some of the greatest free-kickers of the ball over the years. But who was the best? You will get to know as we give you players with the most free-kick goals in, the Premier League.

Read Also: Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History (Updated)

10 Most Free-Kick Goals In Premier League

Below are the players who scored some astonishing goals throughout their Premier League career from a set piece.

#1 Sebastian Larsson - 11 free-kick goals

A shocker upfront? Well yes, it is not someone like David Beckham or Wayne Rooney with the most free-kick goals in the Premier League. It is Sebastian Larsson who has the most free-kick goals in the league. The number is 11.

The midfielder scored 26 Premier League goals in his career. 11 of them happens to be from a set-piece. Sebastian played for three years for Arsenal FC. Then, went on to represent Birmingham City for three years. But, after the 2011-12 season, he played six years for Sunderland FC. However, Larsson had a shooting accuracy of 35%.

Read Also: Premier League top scorers in the last ten seasons

#2 James Ward-Prowse -10 free-kick goals

The number 8 from Southampton is the second on the list. James has been with the Southampton team since the 2012-13 season. Till then he has managed to score some screamers in the Premier League. The 26-years old English player has 32 goals against his name and 10 of them came via free-kicks.

James has a 43% shooting accuracy against his name. This takes him to the list of the best free-kick takers of all time in the league. With age by his side, he will surely be the man with the most free-kick goals in the Premier League. Although, there is a man at number three on the list who will be eager to catch him in the race soon.

Read Also: Most clean sheets in Premier League history

#3 Cristiano Ronaldo - 9 Free-kick goals

Yes, you guessed it right! The man who is still in the race is Cristiano Ronaldo. Although Ronaldo has not scored any free-kick goals for Manchester United in his second term with the club, he will surely catch James very soon. The 36-year old Portuguese legend is one of the best in the business when it comes to shooting it into the net.

The three-time league champion Ronaldo has 87 premier league goals as of 10/10/2021 and 9 of them were free-kick goals. All of them were in his first six years with the club. Ronaldo has a 37% shooting accuracy in the Premier League, which can surely grow now considering his experience over the years.

Read Also: Messi vs Ronaldo: Messi has now overtaken Ronaldo's free-kick record

#4 Christian Eriksen - 8 Free-kick goals

The Denis star had a wonderful time at Tottenham Hotspur. Eriksen had spent 7 seasons in the Premier League before moving to Serie-A. The midfielder scored 51 goals for the Spurs in 226 matches. Meanwhile, he was also awarded the Goal of the month award once in the April of 2007-08 season. Although that was not a free-kick, it shows how good a shooter he was in the League.

Eriksen had 36% shooting accuracy while taking many of the free-kicks along with Harry Kane and Gareth Bale in his time with the Spurs.

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#5 Juan Mata - 8 free-kick goals

Mainly left-footed Juan Mata is considered as one of the most underrated footballers in the Premier League. After three brilliant seasons with Chelsea FC, Mata joined the Red Devils, Manchester United in 2013-14. The 34-year old Spaniard seldom starts for United now-a-days. However, he still has a lot to offer with the experience of 52 goals. 8 of those goals have come from set-pieces in the Premier League.

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Mata has a shooting accuracy of 37% in the Premier League which is considered very good at the highest level.

Number 6-10 is continued on the next page.

#6 Morten Gamst Pedersen - 7 free-kick goals

Another not so familiar name on the list. Another midfielder on the list. However, the Norwegian had fairly a great career with Blackburn Rovers. He played 8 long seasons for Blackburn while the team shared a relegation in the 2011-12 season, his last in the league.

Morten had scored 34 goals in the Premier League with a help of 7 free-kicks among them. Those seven elusive goals feature him at number six on our list of most free-kick goals in the Premier League.

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#7 Steven Gerrard - 7 free-kick goals

The Liverpool FC legend had everything in his armoury as a leader and midfielder. Long-range shots and bullet free-kick are some of them. Steven Gerrard played 17 seasons for Liverpool in the league and won everything except the league title. With a record 504 Premier League matches for the Reds (second best), 120 goals, 6 POTM awards, Gerrad had everything in him.

Garrard had a shooting accuracy of 34% in the Premier League which is by far better than any captain in the League.

Read Also: Most Premier League Player Of The Month Award Winner

#8 Wayne Rooney - 7 free-kick goals

Some call him a Manchester United legend, some calls him the greatest Premier League player in history. Be it any, without Rooney, there are only a few Premier League records. Just like Gerrard, Rooney also had a 17-year long Premier League career. Five leagues titles, 208 Premier League goals and five POTM awards are a few of his achievements. Rooney last played for his boyhood club Everton in the 2017-18 season.

Rooney scored 7 fee-kick goals with a shooting accuracy of 38%.

Read Also: Players with the Most Premier League Goals in history

#9 Gylfi Sigurdsson - 7 free-kick goals

The current number 10 of Everton FC has been on the scene since the 2011-12 season. One of the most undervalued attacking midfielders has scored 67 times and assisted 50 times in the Premier League. However, this Icelandic player has not featured in any of the matches in the 2021-22 season. He has been omitted from the 24-men Everton squad due to some criminal investigation going on against him.

Gylfi has scored 7 free-kick goals in the Premier League. He has a shooting accuracy of 37%.

#10 Mikel Arteta - 6 free-kick goals

The current Arsenal manager was very creative in the mid-filed for Everton and Arsenal in his playing days. Arteta played 8 seasons for Everton and then played 6 seasons for Arsenal FC. In his 14 years, long Premier League career Mikel Arteta scored 41 times and assisted 42 times. With a 33% shooting accuracy, Arteta scored 6 free-kick goals in the Premier League. Therefore he takes number 10 position on our list of most free-kick goals in the Premier League

Hello and welcome to another Premier League LIVE coverage brought to you by Sportz Point. Tonight, we will be covering the epic encounter between Arsenal and Manchester United at the iconic Emirates Stadium in London. 

What to expect?

Manchester United somehow have reignited themselves under their new charismatic coach Ruben Amorim while Arsenal looking to catch Liverpool at the top of the table to stay in the title race. As both teams have plenty to win and even more to lose, this Arsenal vs Manchester United match becomes more interesting for the fans and viewers.

Read Also | Arsenal vs Manchester United: Match Preview, Head-to-Head Stats, Predictions, Possible Lineups

So, sit back and relax as we bring you all the build-up, updates, news and scores of the match. Enjoy the coverage.

Arsenal vs. Manchester United has been a feature of the Premier League schedule from the ferocious matches of the Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson era to current matchups involving up-and-coming talents. This rivalry is more than just a game; it's a display of pride, football history, and the ongoing struggle for dominance between two of the best teams in England.

Match Details

Match: Arsenal vs Manchester United

Date: 04/12/2024

Time: 1:30 am (IST)

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England.

Match Preview:

Struggles have marked Manchester United's season, but the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim has sparked a remarkable turnaround. The team is yet to lose under his leadership, with many attributing this resurgence to the "new manager bounce" phenomenon, where players step up to prove their worth. However, there is a noticeable improvement in United's attacking play beyond this initial lift. Amorim's high-intensity pressing and reliance on hardworking full-backs have added a new dimension to their game. Critics argue that the teams he has faced so far are not the strongest, making Arsenal his first real test.

💬 "They are in a different moment."

Ruben looks ahead to Arsenal on Wednesday 👁️#MUFC || #PL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 3, 2024

For Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, this fixture holds special significance. In 2020, he masterminded a historic victory at Old Trafford, breaking a 14-year winless streak on United's turf, courtesy of a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty. Despite Arsenal's progress under Arteta, Manchester United remains a formidable challenge.

This season, Arsenal has shown marked improvement, thanks to smart recruitment that has made the team more fluid in transitions and versatile in positional play. The ability to invert both flanks has added unpredictability to their build-up, making them a more cohesive and dangerous side.

Amorim faces a tactical dilemma heading into this match. Should he stick to his system, knowing Arsenal dismantled a Sporting Lisbon side built on his principles, or tweak his approach to counter Arteta's strengths? Balancing his philosophy with United's gradual adaptation to his style will be critical.

⏪ Last time out against Manchester United in the Premier League...

A winner from the birthday boy! 🎂 pic.twitter.com/TLJEbWW11S

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 4, 2024

On paper, Arsenal appears the favourite, barring any late injuries that have frequently disrupted their season. However, if Amorim can exploit counterattacking opportunities and disrupt Arsenal's rhythm by limiting their time on the ball, United could pose significant problems.

For football enthusiasts, this midweek clash promises to be a perfect way to unwind and enjoy two contrasting styles of play from two historic clubs.

Head-to-Head Stats:

In the last 5 matches Arsenal has gotten the better of Manchester United 3 times with the last being a 1-0 win at the Old Trafford earlier in April this year, while the latter have won the other 2 leaving no room for a draw. however, the sides will face each other 3 times this season with the first one happening today. Below is the head-to-head record since 1995.

Total matches: 70

Arsenal: 23

Manchester United: 31

Draws: 16

Team News

Arsenal

While Arsenal has shown resilience in recent weeks, key players remain on the sidelines. Takehiro Tomiyasu has been absent since October 5th, following a 3-1 victory over Southampton, and Ben White is still recovering after undergoing knee surgery.

Midfield stalwart Thomas Partey, one of Arsenal's most consistent performers this season, missed the recent game against West Ham due to a recurring muscle issue. Although he seemed to have overcome this problem earlier in the season, concerns remain about his long-term fitness. The club is optimistic, however, that his absence will not be prolonged.

Additionally, both Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhães have been managing fitness struggles. Gabriel, in particular, has been restricted to just 45 minutes in Arsenal's last two matches. The Brazilian defender first showed signs of discomfort during the Liverpool game, where he was substituted early in the second half.

On a brighter note, Kieran Tierney's return offers a welcome boost. After a summer transfer attempt failed, he has been reintegrated into the squad and is back to full fitness. His availability comes at a critical time, with fixtures piling up and Arsenal needing all hands on deck.

Manchester United

Amorim faces a selection headache with the suspension of English midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez, both sidelined after picking up five yellow cards. These players have been instrumental in implementing the manager's playing philosophy since his arrival. Additionally, the availability of Leny Yoro, Johnny Evans, and Victor Lindelof remains uncertain, further complicating the situation.

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Key Players to Watch

Bukayo Saka

Throughout the 2024–2025 campaign, Bukayo Saka has consolidated his place among Arsenal's and England's top players with 10 assists and 5 goals in 12 matches. His on-field leadership, creativity, and consistency have all been combined to create truly outstanding performances.

Saka's offensive contribution continues to be an essential part of Arsenal's success. With numerous goals and assists, he has played a key role in breaking down defences, particularly in close games when his ability to float past opponents and produce accurate crosses or finishes has been crucial.

Another significant strength has been his adaptability; Saka has fit in well whether used on the right flank, in a more central position, or even sliding deeper to influence build-up play.

What sets this season apart is the increased maturity in his game. Saka has taken on greater responsibility, often stepping up in crucial moments, and with his ability to maintain composure under pressure, he will definitely pose a significant threat to the United Defence.

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Amad Diallo

Under Ruben Amorim, Diallo secured his position as a vital player by putting on strong performances weekly after being overlooked in prior seasons with his involvement coming only as a squad rotation player.

United's attacking dynamics have greatly benefited from Diallo's rise and creative ability. He has shown remarkable dribbling skills, quick feet, and an eye for goal while playing mainly as a winger. Defences have struggled to keep up with his cutting inside from wide areas and unleashing strong shots or threading clever passes.

He will be an effective tactical weapon heading into this game for United

Possible Lineups

Arsenal: David Raya (GK), Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Jorginho, Odegaard, Rice, Martinelli, Havertz, Saka

Manchester United: Andre Onana (GK), Dalot, De Ligt, Mazroui, Shaw, Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes, Rashford, Zirkzee, Diallo

At Portman Road, Manchester United and Ipswich Town played to a thrilling 2-2 draw to start Ruben Amorim's tenure at United. The eagerly awaited debut showcased both opportunities and difficulties as the Portuguese coach worked quickly to establish his tactical philosophy. 

Read Also| Liverpool secures narrow win against Southampton to extend their lead at the top of the table

First Half

Amad Diallo's dynamic run down the left side, playing in his new position as a right wing-back, set the stage for Manchester United's opening goal. Starting well inside his half, the Ivorian surged forward, carving out enough space to deliver a precise cross with his right foot. 

Marcus Rashford capitalized on the opportunity, darting ahead of Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric to tap the ball into the net. The strike sent the traveling United fans into jubilation.

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Omari fired it into the top corner. 🚀#IPSMUN pic.twitter.com/ujLb4kJjZQ

— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) November 24, 2024

As the first half neared its conclusion with the score tied at 1-1, Omari Hutchinson made an incisive move from the right, cutting inside to unleash a superb left-footed strike aimed at Onana's top right corner. The ball, however, took an unfortunate deflection off Noussair Mazraoui’s head, altering its trajectory and making it even harder for Onana to react, ultimately crashing into the net.

Read Also| Five Arsenal stars who left and went on to win the Premier League with other clubs

Second Half

As the second half began, Manchester United nearly mirrored their bright start to the first, with Garnacho coming close to scoring seconds after the restart. However, Muric saved his low shot from a tight angle well.

Ipswich quickly regained composure and almost took the lead when Delap redirected a low cross toward goal from close range, but Onana made a good save to deny him.

United created further opportunities, including a clear run by Garnacho and a clever exchange between Rashford and Bruno Fernandes on the edge of the box. However, solid defensive interventions by Cajuste and O’Shea thwarted both efforts.

Ipswich had a late chance when substitute Conor Chaplin narrowly missed Jack Clarke's cutback. At the other end, Amad showcased his creativity with an impressive dribble and shot in added time, but Ipswich’s defense held firm. Ruben Amorim’s United era began with a hard-earned point from a challenging encounter.

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Final Score

Manchester United- 1 (Marcus Rashford 2')

Ipswich Town- 1 (Hutchinson 43')

Mohammed Salah once again proved why he is one of the greatest wingers of his generation scoring 2 goals to give Liverpool the much-needed win against Kieran Mckenna's Southampton.

Read Also| Harry Kane becomes the fastest footballer to score 50 Bundesliga goals

First Half

Liverpool dominated possession early in the match, but it was Southampton who threatened to open the scoring first as Mateus Fernandes tested Kelleher’s reactions from distance.

Dominik Szoboszlai gave Liverpool the lead with a superb strike in the 30th minute, but Southampton equalized before halftime through Adam Armstrong, who provided a deft finish in the 42nd minute.

The visitors kept on piling the pressure but Southampton was resolute in defending and getting back into shape as quickly as possible which made it difficult to break them down. this kept the scores tied heading into the break.

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Second Half

The Saints pulled ahead early in the second half when Mateus Fernandes scored in the 56th minute, capitalizing on Armstrong’s assist. However, Liverpool responded with intensity, as Mohamed Salah leveled the match in the 65th minute after a clever setup by Ryan Gravenberch.

Salah sealed the win with a calmly taken penalty in the 83rd minute, completing his brace and securing all three points for the visitors.

Read Also| Five Arsenal stars who left and went on to win the Premier League with other clubs

Southampton fought hard, with Fernandes and Armstrong among their standout performers, but Liverpool's attacking quality proved decisive. The Reds' resilience kept them in contention in the Premier League title race.

Read Also| I-League 2024-25 Fixtures, Teams and Everything you need to know

Final Score

Liverpool- 3 (Szoboszlai 30', Mohammed Salah 65', 83')

Southampton- 2 (Armstrong 42', Fernandez 56')

The desire for fame frequently pushes athletes to pursue new opportunities, sometimes at the expense of loyal supporters. A few former Arsenal players have gone on to win the Premier League trophy with other teams, reaching the highest level of English football. 

Their experiences serve as an example of the unpredictability of football, where ambition and loyalty frequently clash. In this feature, we look into the stories of five players who donned the red and white before leaving their names in Premier League history elsewhere. 

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Robin Van Persie: Manchester United - 2012/2013

One of the most prolific forwards of his generation, Robin van Persie was renowned for his impeccable positioning, precise finishing, and powerful volleys from every angle. After joining Arsenal in 2004 for £2.75 million, a sum well below Feyenoord's initial asking price of £5 million, he quickly made his mark. 

Manager Arsène Wenger had a vision for Van Persie, converting him from a left winger to a central striker, a transition Wenger had successfully made with Thierry Henry. When Henry left for Barcelona in 2007, Van Persie stepped up as Arsenal's primary goal-scorer.

By the start of the 2011–12 season, Van Persie had taken over as captain following Cesc Fàbregas's move to Barcelona. That season, he finished as the Premier League's top scorer with 30 goals, and in the process, became Arsenal’s eighth all-time leading scorer with 132 goals.

In August 2012, Van Persie made a high-profile move to Manchester United, with the clubs agreeing on a £22.5 million deal, potentially rising by £1.5 million depending on United’s success in the Premier League or Champions League.

Just a few months later, in April 2013, Van Persie sealed his place in United's history, scoring a stunning first-half hat-trick against Aston Villa that clinched their 20th league title with four matches to spare—his first and only Premier League championship. He would go on to leave the club in 2015 after three successful seasons.

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Cesc Fabregas: Chelsea- 2014/2015

Another player with strong roots in the club he made the move from Barcelona in September 2003 after noticing that he was going to find it difficult to break into the Barcelona first team.

He made his debut for the team not long after, on 28 October 2003, in a League Cup tie at home to Rotherman United. In doing so, he became Arsenal's then-youngest-ever first-team player, aged 16 years and 177 days.

Following the club's move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2006, Cesc Fàbregas was handed the iconic number 4 shirt, which Patrick Vieira left vacant after his transfer to Juventus the year before. Fàbregas became a regular in the heart of the midfield, often partnering with Gilberto Silva. 

On 24 November 2008, after 14 league matches in the 2008–09 season, Cesc Fàbregas succeeded William Gallas as captain. 

On 15 August 2011, Barcelona secured his signature for an initial €29 million, with an additional €5 million in potential add-ons. Over the five years leading up to his departure from Arsenal, Fàbregas created 466 goal-scoring opportunities, registered 86 assists, and netted 48 goals.

On 3 May 2015, he won his first Premier League title at the ninth attempt, following a 1–0 home win over Crystal Palace.

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Ashley Cole: Chelsea- 2009/2010

Ashley Cole is widely remembered for his drawn-out contract dispute during which he sought to leave Arsenal. A key member of the iconic Invincible Squad, he won numerous trophies with the North London club.

His transfer to Chelsea caused significant disappointment among loyal fans, but ultimately, it proved to be a wise move. At Chelsea, he secured the Premier League title under Carlo Ancelotti in the 2009/10 season and lifted the Champions League trophy in 2012. 

Notably, he played in all 38 league matches during the 2010/11 season and earned the Chelsea F.C. Player's Player of the Year award for the second time. Cole is widely regarded as one of the Premier League's greatest fullbacks.

Gael Clichy: Manchester City- 2011/2012

Gaël Clichy joined the club in 2003 from Cannes as a young and promising left-back. Initially a backup to Ashley Cole, Clichy seized the opportunity to cement his place in the starting XI following Cole’s move to Chelsea in 2006. Known for his pace, work ethic, and defensive reliability, he became a mainstay in Arsenal’s backline.

In 2011, Clichy moved to Manchester City in search of new challenges and greater opportunities for silverware. His arrival coincided with City’s rise to prominence under Roberto Mancini. At City, Clichy continued to impress with his defensive prowess and tactical awareness.

Clichy’s time at Manchester City proved successful, as he contributed to the club’s first Premier League title in 2011/12, He added another Premier League title in the 2013/14 season, along with two League Cup victories in 2014 and 2016. Over six seasons, Clichy made over 200 appearances for City.

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Samir Nasri: Manchester City- 2011/2012

The Frenchman brought flair and inventiveness to Arsène Wenger's midfield when he made a move from Marseille in 2008. Nasri immediately made a name for himself as a vital player in the team thanks to his technical proficiency, close control, and versatility in attacking roles.

He scored 15 goals in all competitions during his stellar 2010–11 season, including several incredible solo efforts. It was one of his best seasons to date. Because of his impact on the squad, he was nominated for both the PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards that season.

Despite his achievements, Nasri's time in London was characterized by the team's inability to win any trophies. When Arsenal was going through a transition in 2011, Nasri decided to depart in search of better opportunities elsewhere. He made a high-profile move to Manchester City.

Nasri was instrumental in helping City win their first Premier League championship in forty-four years during his debut season (2011–12). He cemented his position in the club's history by providing a vital assist for Sergio Agüero's historic last-minute victory against QPR. In the 2013–14 season, Nasri was instrumental in helping City win the League Cup and another Premier League championship.