Arsenal’s set-piece routine has become a focal point of conversation following their recent performances, with the Gunners continuing to use it as a key weapon in their victories. In their 2-0 win against Manchester United, Arsenal scored twice from corners, solidifying their reputation as one of the most dangerous teams in the Premier League when it comes to set-pieces. This success helped them close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the league, showcasing the importance of set-piece goals in their ongoing pursuit of the title.
Every team in the league is well aware of how dangerous Arsenal is from set-pieces, and opposition coaches spend significant time preparing their defences to avoid being caught out. The most effective way to counter Arsenal’s set-piece strength is to prevent them from winning free kicks and corners in the first place. However, this is easier said than done. Arsenal has proven to be incredibly adept at drawing fouls and winning corners in dangerous areas, giving them ample opportunities to capitalise on their well-rehearsed routines.
Mikel Arteta was asked after the win against Manchester United whether his team deliberately tries to win corners, given their effectiveness from them. He explained that Arsenal’s tactics are designed to create opportunities by exploiting the weaknesses of their opponents. As quoted by Arsenal Media, Arteta said, “We play with inverted wingers so they develop a lot as well a lot of times inside. There’s not a lot of space inside, so when they leave, there’s a lot of space for the full-back, and for the six and for the nine and now you can go outside, so we need to look at every angle: what they [opponents] do, where they can be weak, and where we can exploit the weakness of the opposition.”
Arteta’s comments reveal the tactical intricacies behind Arsenal’s ability to win set pieces. The inverted wingers create space by moving inside, drawing defenders away from wide areas and opening up gaps for the full-backs to exploit. This approach forces defenders into situations where fouls are more likely, making it easier for Arsenal to earn set-pieces in dangerous positions. The team’s deliberate focus on creating these opportunities in training has paid off, and it continues to be one of their strongest weapons on the pitch.
In conclusion, Arsenal’s set-piece routine remains a powerful and intentional part of their game plan. The tactical setup and deliberate effort to create these chances give them a significant advantage over opponents. As they continue to refine their set-piece strategy, Arsenal’s ability to generate scoring opportunities from free kicks and corners will likely remain a key factor in their success this season. With Arteta’s clear focus on exploiting opposition weaknesses, Arsenal is set to maintain their dominance in this area.
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Oh, so its anti Arteta to suggest we are deliberately saying we deliberately play for set pieces instead of creating. Even when Arteta himself admits it. Funny that!
How?
You’ve lost me there Reggie. I don’t read every single post but surely it’s not being anti Arteta to point out that the current philosophy is to play for set pieces? I’m just happy that the system is working so far and compliments goals added from open play. Should I be worried that being creative will disappear if that is the case ?
Correct Sue, it isn’t but some idiot accused me and others of it. I made an opinion weeks ago about us playing for corners and where it could or couldn’t leas us. I believe we are great at it but there is a balance. And that balance has to be right.
Arteta explaining in details on how his Arsenal team, the Gunners. Operate in set pieces situation to be scoring goals that has seen us won many matches so far this term.
But to me, this unforced explanations by him was totally uncalled for.
Because it’s like he has let the cat out of the nag.. As the Gunners secret weapon of goals and which has been enabling them scoring goals and winning matches successfully so far this season has now become a public knowledge.
So therefore, since this media revealing by Arteta has now become the case. The Gunners SHOULD henceforth with, find and get other reliable tactics different to that of relying heavily on set pieces to be scoring goals to win matches.
So that we won’t be stopped by any opposition team to not score goal/goals to win. As the Gunners may be looking to have now been found out.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean the Gunners should’t be using set piece tactics as regularly as they have been using it. Of course they should continue using he tactics as long as it’s remained productive for them.
The name ‘ The New Stoke City’ is not fair, after all no hand involved
Well done Gunners. The honour to Mikel and his team more especially the coaching staff. But please can someone close Mikel tell him not to disclose his tactics to the media.
I’m confused as to why people are putting some negative views on our set piece success. Every leader should have alternative ways to achieve results. If it’s not allowed to score more goal on set piece let them be cancelled. But as a fun I’m happy to know that any to will choose either to let us score directly or give us a set piece of which it will be a score. To arsenal a set is an indirect penalty. And more so why don’t people complain when penalties contribute to golden boot winner. That’s our strength Go NJ Go Arteta Go Gabriel.
What an absolute load of hogwash to say that Arsenal are deliberately trying to win corners. (If I’m wrong and they are, then what’s wrong with that).
Winning corners stems from being in the oppositions final third, and therefore there is a high chance of getting corners, (It really isn’t rocket science is it).
Just a heads up people, corners have been a part of the game since time, it’s not something radically new is it. And the last time I looked, it isn’t against the rules to actually have the barefaced cheek to score from one.
Also I’ve got some breaking news for all my fellow football fans out there, did you see that Bournemouth had the cheek to score from a corner against the mighty (Spurs🤣😂), last night.
I think we should start a petition for all these teams that are cheeky enough and have the audacity to think that they can score goals willy nilly from corners, should have points deducted.
(Just in case anyone takes my last paragraph seriously, I’m being very sarcastic).
It doesn’t matter how you score goals in football as long as it’s within the rules. And I do believe I’m right in saying scoring from a corner is perfectly legal.
I’ve said my piece, have a good day everyone.😉👍
Tell this to @Reggie.
🤣😂🤣😂
If we are deliberately playing for corners then why don’t our opponents stop us?
We are winning corners because we are attacking our opponents. You don’t win a corner in your own half or penalty area.
You have got to be in the opposition area to start off with in order to win any corners.
Isn’t it?
🤯
Goonster,
You won’t get argument from me there. 👍
My question is, why did prof always complained of Stoke city then ?
Where they scoring illegally with the throw-ins ?
Because we are the benefactors now, the narrative has change.
I for one never criticized Stoke City for the long throw ins.
As a team, surely it makes sense that you use whatever weapon in your teams Armory that can cause the opposition trouble.
Whether it be, open play, corners, free kicks, long throw ins, whatever it might be.
These fans who are getting rattled at Arsenal’s success from corner’s are using it as an excuse for their own teams shortcomings.
I even heard a United fan after the game say to an Arsenal fan, that at least united stopped Arsenal scoring in open play.
For a United fan to be sufficiently satisfied at that, just shows me how far United have dropped to what they were.
I’ll say it again, goals count in whatever form there scored in end of story.
And one final thought, wasn’t it a certain United team that won the Champions League in the dying minutes, with yes you’ve guessed it, (2 CORNERS).
Didn’t hear any complaints back then did we.