Arsenal has become a dominant force in the Premier League when it comes to scoring goals from corners, with 22 goals coming from set-pieces since the start of last season. This exceeds their closest competitors, Manchester City and Liverpool. The Gunners’ set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, is credited with developing innovative routines that have proven to be unstoppable. Players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have been instrumental in delivering assists from set-pieces, putting Arsenal in a strong position to challenge for the title.
Opposing teams have struggled to find a solution to stopping Arsenal from scoring from corners, with their tall defenders like Gabriel and William Saliba proving to be major threats in the air. One suggestion is to implement man-marking strategies to neutralize these players. However, this approach may not always be effective given Arsenal’s diverse attacking options. Alternatively, teams could focus on denying Arsenal the opportunity to take corners by not blocking crosses and disrupting their set-piece routines before they occur.
While Arsenal has been successful in scoring from corners in the Premier League, they have faced challenges replicating this form in European competitions. Differences in officiating styles between the Premier League and European competitions could be a contributing factor. European referees may be less tolerant of the physicality and “dark arts” that Arsenal often employ in the box. This discrepancy highlights the need for teams to adapt their set-piece strategies based on the competition they are playing in.
One unconventional suggestion to combat Arsenal’s prowess from corners is to employ spy tactics similar to what Marcelo Bielsa did during his time at Leeds United. By observing Arsenal’s training sessions and studying their set-piece routines, opposing teams may gain valuable insights into how to counter their tactics. This level of espionage could provide a competitive advantage in stopping Arsenal from scoring set-piece goals. However, it is essential to consider the ethical implications of such tactics in professional sports.
Ultimately, teams facing Arsenal must find creative solutions to neutralize their threat from set-pieces. Whether it involves double-teaming key players like Gabriel and Saliba, utilizing tactics that mirror Arsenal’s European opponents, or implementing spy tactics, there are various strategies that can be explored. It is crucial for managers and analysts to assess the strengths and weaknesses of Arsenal’s set-piece game and develop a game plan that effectively counters their dead-ball efficiency. In a competitive league like the Premier League, stopping Arsenal from corners could be the key to success against one of the top teams in the division.
