Arsenal has developed an impressive reputation for exploiting opposition defenses through their clever use of set pieces in the Premier League this season. The team has capitalized on almost 30% of goals coming from corners, free-kicks, penalties, or long throws, scoring 17 out of 40 league goals through these methods.
At the heart of Arsenal's dead ball success lie two key players: Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. Both have shown remarkable ability in creating scoring opportunities with their corner kicks, with Rice consistently delivering eight goals per season from his left-footed right-side deliveries, while Saka has produced five such goals from a similar position on the opposite side.
Arsenal's reliance on in-swinging corners, which comprise 81% of all set pieces, offers an advantage over out-swinging or short approaches favored by other teams. This aggressive stance is reminiscent of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's former boss Pep Guardiola, who had successfully used a similar tactic during his time at Manchester City.
To maximize their effectiveness, Arsenal employ a well-coordinated system that includes a mix of tall and agile defenders. At least three players from the back four often participate in set pieces, with William Saliba frequently disrupting goalkeepers to create scoring opportunities.
The team's reliance on specific patterns and player movements also plays a significant role in their success. Gabriel Magalhães has been instrumental in creating chaos at the far post, prompting defenders into confusion over where the ball will land.
A closer examination of Arsenal's set-piece strategy reveals an emphasis on mixing up deliveries to keep opponents guessing. The team aims for a balanced approach, with a mix of deliveries into the middle, near post, and far post, mirroring their goal-scoring patterns.
What sets Arsenal apart from other teams is their ability to create chaos without necessarily leaving themselves exposed to counterattacks. By shifting players' starting positions, pressuring the goalkeeper, and varying delivery directions, they manage to control the tempo of set pieces and exploit weaknesses in opposition defenses.
The effectiveness of this approach can be seen in the team's impressive record, with only 14 league goals conceded all season – a testament to their ability to nullify opponents' attacking threats. While other teams may try to counter Arsenal's set-piece prowess by employing different strategies, such as intentionally leaving players upfield, it remains to be seen whether this approach can effectively neutralize the team's deadly delivery.
As Arsenal continue to refine their tactics and build on their success, one thing is clear: they are set to remain a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League for the foreseeable future.
At the heart of Arsenal's dead ball success lie two key players: Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. Both have shown remarkable ability in creating scoring opportunities with their corner kicks, with Rice consistently delivering eight goals per season from his left-footed right-side deliveries, while Saka has produced five such goals from a similar position on the opposite side.
Arsenal's reliance on in-swinging corners, which comprise 81% of all set pieces, offers an advantage over out-swinging or short approaches favored by other teams. This aggressive stance is reminiscent of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's former boss Pep Guardiola, who had successfully used a similar tactic during his time at Manchester City.
To maximize their effectiveness, Arsenal employ a well-coordinated system that includes a mix of tall and agile defenders. At least three players from the back four often participate in set pieces, with William Saliba frequently disrupting goalkeepers to create scoring opportunities.
The team's reliance on specific patterns and player movements also plays a significant role in their success. Gabriel Magalhães has been instrumental in creating chaos at the far post, prompting defenders into confusion over where the ball will land.
A closer examination of Arsenal's set-piece strategy reveals an emphasis on mixing up deliveries to keep opponents guessing. The team aims for a balanced approach, with a mix of deliveries into the middle, near post, and far post, mirroring their goal-scoring patterns.
What sets Arsenal apart from other teams is their ability to create chaos without necessarily leaving themselves exposed to counterattacks. By shifting players' starting positions, pressuring the goalkeeper, and varying delivery directions, they manage to control the tempo of set pieces and exploit weaknesses in opposition defenses.
The effectiveness of this approach can be seen in the team's impressive record, with only 14 league goals conceded all season – a testament to their ability to nullify opponents' attacking threats. While other teams may try to counter Arsenal's set-piece prowess by employing different strategies, such as intentionally leaving players upfield, it remains to be seen whether this approach can effectively neutralize the team's deadly delivery.
As Arsenal continue to refine their tactics and build on their success, one thing is clear: they are set to remain a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League for the foreseeable future.
I'm loving how Arsenal is turning those corner kicks into goals! Declan Rice & Bukayo Saka are like a 1-2 combo out there, making it super hard for opposing defenses to handle... 17 goals from set pieces this season? That's wild 
. What I find interesting is how they mix up their deliveries - near post, far post, middle... it's like a puzzle trying to figure out where the ball will land next! 
And yeah, Mikel Arteta's got some solid tactics going on here 
. But what do you guys think would be the best way for other teams to counter this? 
! I mean, can you believe how cleverly they've figured out to exploit opposition defenses? It's like they're reading the game on a whole different level 
. And that Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka duo is just a match made in heaven 
. They're like two peas in a pod, creating those set pieces and scoring goals left and right 
.
️. The way they mix up their deliveries and keep opponents guessing is pure GENIUS 
. And don't even get me started on William Saliba disrupting goalkeepers – it's like he's got a Ph.D. in set-piece disruption 
.
. They're not just relying on a few players to deliver the goods; they've got a system that works, and everyone knows their role 
. And let's be real – 14 league goals conceded all season? That's MIND-BLOWING 
.
. Who else is with me?!
. But it's not just about the numbers, it's how they execute it that matters. Rice and Saka are absolute wizards with those dead balls 
. The way they mix up their deliveries keeps opponents guessing and creates chaos on the far post 
.
️. Those 14 league goals conceded all season? That's some top-notch defending 
. Not saying other teams won't try to counter, but I think Arsenal's got this one in the bag 
17 out of 40 goals from set pieces already? that's mental 
they're not afraid to disrupt goalkeepers and create confusion among defenders. i'm so impressed by their coordination and communication on set pieces, it's clear they've got their system down pat 
i think this approach has set them up for success in the long run... can't wait to see what they do next! 
. I love how Mikel Arteta is playing to his strengths, building on what Pep Guardiola did at Manchester City 
! Arsenal's set-piece strategy is so underrated, but I think they're finally getting the recognition they deserve 
. Bring on the rest of the season, and I'll be glued to my screen watching those set pieces unfold 
I'm loving how Arsenal is taking advantage of those dead ball opportunities! 
. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are straight up geniuses when it comes to corner kicks 
. And that coordinated system? 
it's a beautiful thing to watch. They're not just relying on one or two players, but an entire team effort 
. And let's be real, their record is 
, making set pieces work like a charm! 
. What really gets me is how they mix up their delivery patterns to keep opponents guessing 
. And can we talk about Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, they're absolute set-piece wizards 
️! I've been watching their corner kicks and free kicks, and I'm like "wow, how do they even get the ball over the wall like that?!" 
, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are the real MVPs