Arsenal scored from set pieces in their 2-0 victory over Everton at the weekend, giving Mikel Arteta reason to believe his side can become more dangerous from dead-ball situations. The Gunners found the net twice from set pieces, and their manager hopes the performance will help restore confidence in an area that attracted considerable attention last season.
Arsenal were labelled ‘set-piece FC’ last term because of their frequent reliance on dead ball situations. Their effectiveness from corners and free kicks became a significant part of their campaign, while the club’s specialist set-piece coach, Nico Jover, also attracted attention and occasional mockery from rival supporters.
Arsenal hope to rediscover their set piece threat
Despite that reputation, Arsenal have relied less heavily on set pieces this season, finding goals through open play while continuing to collect results. Their reduced output from dead balls has meant the subject has attracted less discussion among rival fans, but the goals against Everton could mark a turning point.
Arteta will hope the brace helps his players approach future set pieces with greater belief and conviction. The manager has consistently backed the work carried out on the training ground and believes the team’s preparation can translate into a greater threat during matches.
Speaking to ESPN, Arteta said the goals could provide a psychological lift and strengthen the players’ trust in the approach.
“I’m sure that’s going to unlock something and that belief of the players, so they are really convinced.
“You have to see them when we train the level of attention and how much they believe in what we do and what Nico [Jover, set-piece coach] does as well.
“There’s no question about that, but at the end he has to come through and he has to make the difference and we know that that is a massive welcome for us.”
Arsenal set piece coach Nicolas Jover
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Arteta wants Arsenal to build on Everton win
The manager’s comments underline the importance he places on the team’s set piece routines and the confidence required to execute them under pressure. Arsenal’s coaching staff have devoted considerable attention to this aspect of their play, and the Everton match offered a timely reward for that work.
The Gunners will now aim to make the goals a starting point rather than an isolated success. If they can combine their threat from set pieces with their effectiveness in open play, they will have another route to breaking down opponents as the season continues.
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