Arsenal continue to march on at the top of the Premier League table, and Mikel Arteta appears to have the ideal player to suit his tactical approach.
After nine games, Arsenal are now four points clear at the top of the league, with Bournemouth now their nearest rivals.
A tight 1-0 win over Crystal Palace came courtesy of an Eberechi Eze goal against his former club. And, once again, the goal came via a set-piece as the Gunners continue to make the most of their dead ball opportunities.
[
Click to subscribe to the podcast ](https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheBackFour?sub_confirmation=1)
They are the Premier League experts in that regard, and one player has been singled out as the master of the set-piece situation for Arsenal.
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Micah Richards heaps praise on Gabriel
Discussing the game in the latest episode of The Rest is Football, Micah Richards raved about the way Arsenal defend from set-pieces as well as attacking them, with Gabriel picked out as the main man at both ends for the Gunners.
Richards said: “I thought Palace did rather well in the first half. They had a few chances, but Arsenal just snuff them out, don’t they? They just know how to kill a game — they’re so good at it.
“Gabriel, what a player he is. And I wasn’t sure about him at the start. I thought he made a few mistakes. He looked a little bit clumsy, but now he’s just turned into an absolute machine on set-pieces. He’s so key for and against.”
The Brazilian defender now has two goals and two assists this season in all competitions, as well as being a titan at the back.
With his quality, William Saliba next to him, and Jurrien Timber impressing in defence, too, it seems Arsenal are almost impenetrable at the moment. But, should fans be concerned that the Gunners are so reliant on set-pieces?
Arsenal are so reliant on set-pieces, but it’s working
Richards doesn’t think it’s a problem at all, really. In fact, the former Man City ace insists that Arsenal’s pragmatic approach to winning games by any means necessary is what can help them secure the Premier League title this season.
He added: “The thing is, what people are starting to say, they’re calling Arsenal ‘Set Piece FC,’ but it doesn’t matter. Win the games however you need to win them — that’s the most important thing. Arsenal are finding ways to win games, and that’s why I believe they’ve got a strong case now for winning the league.
“I never quite believed it with Liverpool’s players, especially considering the window, the signings, everything else. But now, they just don’t give teams opportunities — they just don’t. And in terms of the game, it was nice for Eze — they’re a well-oiled machine.”
Arsenal are leading the way in terms of set-piece goals and goals from the penalty spot, while they are ranked 17th for goals from open play. With just one defeat this season so far, we doubt Mikel Arteta will lose much sleep over the nature of his team’s goals, as long as they keep coming.