Marco Silva's Fulham took four points from their meetings with Arsenal last season
Marco Silva is not fearing Arsenal's set piece onslaught - reminding everyone that it was Fulham who used them to beat the Gunners last term.
The north Londoners continued to enhance their reputation as specialists when it comes to scoring from dead ball situations. On Wednesday night they used two corners to score their goals as they secured a 2-0 win over Manchester United.
First Jurrien Timber and then William Saliba benefitted, adding to Arsenal's growing list of goals from corners and free-kicks. Already this term they've used set pieces to breach Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City - but last term it was Fulham giving them a taste of their own medicine.
Their meeting at the Emirates finished 2-2 early in the season and then Fulham won 2-1 at Craven Cottage on New Year's Eve - and Silva remembers how they used set pieces to their advantage.
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He said: "Last season, we did really well in that situation, we scored twice against them in set-pieces last season, and the reality is that they didn’t score [from a set-piece] against us, and let’s hope we can repeat the same."
Fulham secured an impressive win over Brighton in midweek as they jumped up to sixth. Another win at their home base and they would close to within three points over Arsenal, but Silva insists the Gunners won't be surprised by anything they bring.
"No-one surprises anyone in Premier League no more," he said. "You know how Mikel [Arteta] and the Arsenal team respect everybody in this competition, they know that it’s really tough to play and win games at this level. And probably they are going to be even more aware because the reality is we played two great games against them last season – at the Emirates with the draw, and of course with the three points at Craven Cottage."
Arsenal have continued to thrive from set pieces ( Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal meanwhile are embracing their set piece success, despite comparisons to Stoke City during their time under Tony Pulis. Arteta has joked that the Gunners want to become a jack of all trades and is happy to have the reputation they do.
He said: We want to be the kings of everything - at set pieces, the best in the world, at high press, the best in the world, attacking open spaces, the best in the world. We want the best atmosphere in the stadium, and be the best at everything."
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