In the fiercely competitive world of Premier League football, attention to detail and tactical acumen can often be the difference between victory and defeat. One team that has been particularly successful in this regard is Arsenal, who have managed to turn set pieces into a potent weapon in their arsenal. The Gunners have made a conscious effort to improve their performance at set pieces, resulting in an impressive tally of 26 goals from such situations since the start of last season. This focus on set piece execution has not only given them an edge over their rivals but also added another dimension to their attacking play.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe recently acknowledged this threat while speaking on the Adopted Geordies podcast. He highlighted how Arsenal's expertise in set pieces makes them a formidable opponent, capable of outsmarting teams with well-executed corners and free kicks.
Eddie Howe, Newcastle United manager, said:
“I think at the moment Arsenal, Arteta, They’ve been very good with set plays now for two years and they’ve score a lot of goals and a lot of late goals that have won them games from set plays.
“They’re the team at the moment that people are looking at and going ‘they’re the biggest threat’.”
The impact of Nicolas Jover
A key figure behind Arsenal's success at set pieces is coach Nicolas Jover. His contribution has been instrumental in transforming these situations into scoring opportunities for the Gunners. Such is his impact that fans now eagerly anticipate corners won by the team, expecting them to result in goal-scoring opportunities.
One player who often finds himself at the end of these deliveries is Gabriel Magalhaes - his ability to consistently head balls into goal from corners has become a hallmark feature of Arsenal’s play.
Boost from Mikel Merino’s return
The return from injury for Mikel Merino will undoubtedly enhance Arsenal's prowess at set pieces even further. Known for his aerial dominance, Merino adds another layer to Arsenal's threat during corner kicks and free kicks.
It was once imagined that opponents would openly express fear against us; hearing it now brings joyous moments for all sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike as they watch Arsenal's set piece tactics unfold on the pitch.
Arsenal’s focus on set pieces has not only given them a competitive edge but also made them an exciting team to watch. Their success serves as a reminder of the importance of tactical nuances in football and how they can be leveraged to gain an advantage over opponents.
