Joshua Kimmich has suggested that Arsenal rely heavily on set pieces, a view he expressed when comparing the Gunners to Paris Saint-Germain. Bayern Munich have faced both clubs, and Kimmich indicated that PSG place greater emphasis on open play, whereas Arsenal appear more inclined to use structured dead-ball situations. This observation mirrors comments made over the past two seasons by players, pundits and managers who have raised similar points. Arsenal, however, have shown little concern about such assessments, focusing instead on results and continuous improvement.
Arsenal’s Pragmatic Approach to Scoring
Winning remains the priority for any elite team, and Mikel Arteta has worked tirelessly to ensure that Arsenal remain competitive on every front. This requires an adaptable approach that allows the team to find goals through multiple avenues. When chances in open play are limited, the Gunners have demonstrated an ability to convert from set pieces, an area they have strengthened considerably. Their efficiency in these situations reflects extensive preparation and a willingness to capitalise on any opportunity to gain an advantage. Although this has led to external criticism, it has also contributed to their consistency in domestic and European competitions. Arteta’s methods continue to evolve, and the team’s progress suggests that this adaptability is a key component of their success.
Arteta Responds to Kimmich’s Remarks
As Arsenal prepared to face Chelsea, Arteta addressed Kimmich’s comments directly. Speaking via Independent Sport, the Spanish manager said, “The way both teams play, the game they played against PSG was very similar where everything becomes man to man and the way they are with their full backs.” He added, “What we do with our rotation, it creates a game that has very low sequences of passes. I know what [Kimmich] is saying. That is fine. It is part of the game. The game is provoked by both team’s games. It is very understandable.”
Arteta’s response reflected a calm acknowledgement of the midfielder’s view while emphasising the tactical nuances that shape each match. His comments highlighted that style and structure depend heavily on the dynamics created by both teams on the pitch.
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When that big ears mug is stock nicely in the cabinet, no label of set pieces or open play will be label on it, then again who cares
Bayern were popping long balls all game. They were playing like a fancy version of 2012 Bolton. Literally every play I remember being a hoof upfield. At least we attacked with fluid passing
You must have been watching a different game to me then Dylan!!
Bayern played possession football in the same way as we do, using their back four and midfield to probe for openings.
Take their goal – it was a great move that went from midfield to the wing and a great cross that saw a clinical finish.
We were just better than them over the 90 minutes, but to say they hoofed the ball, is not true in my opinion.
We play to our strengths and kimmich a good play that he is kept banging balls to olise evertime I saw the ball on his feet. Again who cares.
Again it’s tough facing cameras after a humbling first defeat. You can hang on to a lot trying to explain that.
What’s the problem of those complaining about arsenal scoring goals via set pieces? Is set pieces not part of the game of football? Is high time they stop this and face their game. Flimsy excuses should stop. Every team has right to develop it’s own style of play. Up GUNNERS……….
The most important thing is to win. One can never write Arsenal off when it comes to playing the ball too and is not a crime to know how to approach the game in so many options.
Honestly, Kimmich is not accepting the defeat. If Arsenal really depended on set pieces, how then did it happen the Gunners had more shots on target than them? Shots Arsenal 14 Bayern had only 6
Shots on target Arsenal 8 Bayern 2?! This is clearly they played possession football game where we were some years ago. We beat them fairly. My manager Mikel keep that fire burning our objective is to bring home all the 4 trophies. Let them talk as we prepare to go play the CWC come 2029.
This was the one game we scored all the 3 different types of goals. We scored open goal, we scored set pieces and we scored open play. So what does he mean set piece. What a sore loser, like his manager.