Arsenal’s success from set pieces has not occurred by chance. Arsenal’s rise under Mikel Arteta is a story of tactical evolution. The Spanish coach has turned the club into one of Europe’s best. Much has been made of their attacking style and possession-based approach. However, one key aspect of their success this season has been their use of set pieces. This area of their game deserves more attention.
Arsenal seem to thrive on corner opportunities and have made them a major weapon in their fight for silverware. The Gunners have become a well-oiled machine regarding dead-ball situations and the credit goes to Mikel Arteta’s single-minded focus on this area of the game. Arsenal set-piece plays are based on the quality of their deliveries, the skillful execution and ingenuity of their set-piece moves.
When a corner is called for Arsenal, it is no longer just a set piece; it has become a moment of anticipation. Even their agonizing breath is evident in the Emirates Stadium. In situations where the Gunners do not seem to break through in the matches played based on open play, their original source of strength, set pieces, gives them a really huge edge.
Arsenal’s adaptability is probably their biggest asset when it comes to set-piece play. Whether it’s a short corner, a whipped ball into the box, or a precise delivery to the right runner, Arsenal always finds a way to unsettle opponents. This transformation is led by set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. He ensures every player understands their role and practices the routines extensively. The results speak for themselves.
Arsenal set piece corners destroy Manchester United defence
Arsenal have totally outdone the act of set pieces, breaking this Manchester United defense so sweetly and so powerfully. Two of their goals were corner-kicks and showed the preparation and strength that Gunners could exhibit in such kinds of play, as Mikel Arteta’s side got an important result.
Essentially, Arsenal had done it at that moment: showed what they were capable of doing, ultimately presenting very powerful and sweetly effective demolition of this Manchester United defense. Two of their goals were corner kicks and signified what preparation and strength Gunners would bring to such kinds of play, as Mikel Arteta’s side got an important result.
During their victory over Manchester United, Arsenal exhibited what was perhaps their most comprehensive example of set-piece superiority. The precision of delivery coupled with the ingenuity of movement, and more chaotic opposition box action have left Arsenal the most dangerous Premier League team for corner kicks.
Manchester United failed to handle Arsenal’s dead-ball brilliance. Arsenal’s ability to convert set-pieces highlights their maturity and attacking ambition under Arteta. This set-piece supremacy will remain a key weapon in their title challenge. It adds to their arsenal and helps turn hard-fought, tight games into convincing victories.
Are Arsenal the new Stoke City?
Arsenal could rank among the most tactically flexible teams in Premier League history. They are known for fluid attacking football and technical brilliance. Despite these qualities, they remain far from the rugged, physical style of Stoke City under Tony Pulis.
Stoke, during Pulis’s tenure, relied heavily on long throws and aerial dominance. Arsenal’s recent set-piece efficiency has drawn light-hearted comparisons to that era. However, the differences between the two teams remain significant.
There could be no argument against the claim that Arsenal has become a major threat from set pieces. As per the last season, no team among the Big Five European leagues could best Arsenal’s 22 goals from corners. Their efficiency has reached unprecedented levels this season as goals through set pieces have mostly settled closely fought matches.
Much of this success stems from the influence of Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s set-piece coach. He has been key in making corners a deadly weapon for the Gunners. Precise balls from Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have been vital. Together with the aerial ability of Arsenal, they have become a nightmare for opponents to defend against in these situations.
While Arsenal’s dominance from set-pieces has drawn comparisons to Tony Pulis’ Stoke City, the similarities are superficial at best. Stoke’s identity was defined by their reliance on set-pieces, whereas Arsenal use them as one of many tools in their tactical arsenal.
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