Arsenal have developed a reputation for their efficiency from set pieces, with many of their goals coming from well-worked routines. As captain of the London club, Martin Ødegaard has been central to their overall strategy, and naturally, Norwegian supporters would hope he could help transfer that strength to the national side.
However, Norway continue to struggle in this area. Their latest outing against Finland highlighted their shortcomings, with several opportunities from set pieces wasted. For a team that includes players performing at the highest level of the Premier League, the lack of threat from such situations has been described as both disappointing and concerning.
Norway’s Set Piece Struggles
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Norway’s inability to make an impact from dead-ball scenarios has left supporters frustrated. The match against Finland saw them repeatedly squander situations that could have changed the game. As they prepare to face Moldova, significant improvement will be required. Fans expect to see sharper execution and more creativity when chances arise, particularly given the importance of these fixtures in the context of World Cup qualification.
National team manager Ståle Solbakken openly acknowledged the issue. According to [NRK](https://www.nrk.no/sport/fotball/), he stated, “And then we have to practice on set pieces, because they were absolutely awful yesterday.” His comments underline the pressing need for the team to address this weakness if they are to compete effectively on the international stage.
A Need for Leadership and Improvement
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Set pieces can often decide tight matches, and failing to utilise them represents a missed opportunity. Norway’s struggles in this area risk undermining its broader ambitions, especially in qualifying campaigns where fine margins separate success from failure. With Ødegaard captaining the side, there is an expectation that the standards seen at Arsenal can influence his teammates and contribute to raising Norway’s effectiveness.
The upcoming clash with Moldova offers a chance for redemption. If Norway are able to show marked improvement in their set-piece play, it could provide a crucial advantage. Failure to do so, however, may leave them vulnerable in fixtures where chances are limited and every opportunity must be maximised.