Arsenal have kicked into gear in recent weeks and are braced for another Premier League title challenge.
The Gunners suffered a handful of injuries and were inconsistent at the start of the season, but things seem to be clicking for them.
In their previous Premier League encounter, Arsenal inflicted Ruben Amorim’s first defeat as Manchester United boss as they secured a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.
Jurrien Timber and William Saliba were their goalscorers on the night as the Red Devils’ resistance was finally broken in the second half.
And Paul Merson feels one of the Gunners’ biggest strengths was on display against Manchester United.
Paul Merson hails Arsenal’s set-piece routine
Jurrien Timber of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United F...
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Arsenal have emerged as the Premier League’s set-piece kings and took advantage of corners to devastating effect against Manchester United.
It has emerged as a bit of a recurring theme with the Gunners, with set-piece coach Nicolas Jover emerging as a central figure behind the scenes.
Earlier this season, David Seaman praised Jover for Arsenal’s set-piece prowess, with the Gunners having scored more goals from corners and freekicks than any other team in the Premier League.
And now, Merson believes what they do in terms of set-pieces isn’t down to just luck.
“I can’t help but admire what Arsenal have done with their set-pieces,” wrote Merson in his column for Sportskeeda.
“They always look like they will score and it’s absolutely amazing. You watch other teams’ set-pieces and they swing it in but the goalkeeper comes out and catches it easily.
“Arsenal send in each corner with so much power and it gives the goalkeepers no chance, that strategy is working so well for them.”
Timber also spoke about Arsenal’s set-piece prowess as he scored his first goal for the club against Manchester United with a close-range header.
Stats behind Arsenal’s set pieces
Since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored a staggering 22 goals directly from set-pieces, which is at least seven more than any other team in the Premier League.
Club Goals
Arsenal 22
Manchester City 15
Everton 14
Liverpool 14
West Ham 14
The Gunners have built a squad that’s well equipped to take advantage of this tactic and it has paid dividends for them, with Jover’s addition from Manchester City proving to be a huge difference maker.
A lot has been said about Arsenal’s set-pieces, with Dimitar Berbatov recently describing the Gunners as the new Stoke City.
However, they are a great way to open up tight games and Arsenal will look to carry on in their merry ways as they aim to usurp Liverpool at the top of the table.
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