Gabriel Magalhaes
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s remarkable efficiency from set-pieces has become one of the major talking points of the season, with the Gunners leading the Premier League in goals from dead-ball situations.
Mikel Arteta’s side have found the net eleven times from set-pieces so far, and they’ll look to continue that trend when they face Brighton in the Carabao Cup fourth round at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. The encounter promises to be a fascinating tactical battle, with the Seagulls determined to neutralise Arsenal’s biggest weapon.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has made it clear that he understands the threat Arsenal pose from dead balls and believes he knows the only way to stop them.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Hürzeler explained that Arsenal’s set-piece strength comes from collective execution rather than individual dominance.
“You can’t defend one against one,” Hurzeler said. “It is also not just Gabriel, they do it very well together and have really good patterns.”
The Brighton manager went on to praise Arsenal’s discipline and organization, emphasizing that their success stems from unity and precision.
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“They are doing well, very good out of possession and good with set pieces, so I think these are two main factors that make them so successful,” he continued.
“Very disciplined. Everyone attacks and defends the box. They are very effective with set pieces, so it will be a big challenge for us tomorrow.”
Arsenal’s dominance in this area has been driven by the contributions of Declan Rice, whose delivery from corners and free kicks has been consistently dangerous, and Gabriel Magalhaes, who continues to be a major aerial threat in both boxes.
Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton side will face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the 4th round of the Carabao cup. (Photo credit: Getty images)
Hurzeler admitted that Brighton are working to develop a similar set-piece identity but stressed that it takes time to perfect.
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“We are quite good at defending and also try to build a set-piece culture, but that doesn’t come overnight, it needs time,” he noted. “It’s getting more important in the Premier League. We are quite confident that we are capable of defending against them.”
Brighton will be without James Milner due to a muscle injury, while Kaoru Mitoma, Joel Veltman, and Brajan Gruda are edging closer to returns. Arsenal, meanwhile, are expected to rotate their squad after playing three matches in the past week.
Wednesday’s Carabao Cup showdown sets the stage for a compelling tactical contest between two progressive young managers, as Hurzeler’s Brighton aims to halt Arsenal’s set-piece supremacy and deliver a statement victory.
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