Arsenal are one of the best teams in the world when it comes to set-pieces.
Nicolas Jover has transformed the Gunners in that department over the years, so much so that opponents are scared to even concede corners and free-kicks.
Arsenal take on Southampton next, and their manager, Tonda Eckert, is well aware of the Premier League leaders’ set-piece prowess.
However, he has noticed a change while studying them.
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Southampton manager Tonda Eckert says Arsenal’s set-piece signals have changed
The biggest reason why Arsenal are so good at set-pieces is their deliveries.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are absolutely unbelievable from corners, and their crosses make it easier for those in the box to get on the end of them.
Before every corner and free-kick, fans would’ve observed a small meeting between a few players to decide the plan.
There have been a few signals made too – Martin Odegaard pulling his socks up has been described as one of them over the years.
Eckert has now claimed that Arsenal have changed their signals.
He said, as per The Daily Echo: “We all know about the qualities that they have. I think they’ve changed their signals a little bit on how they indicate where the balls are going.
“Obviously, it always helps you if you can limit the amount of set-pieces that you give away, but that depends on how good we are in open play.
“I think we need to be able to suffer in some moments, not just set-pieces. I think they do create more than enough from open play. It’s going to be a challenge for us, but I think we are well-prepared.”
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Arsenal may not have their usual set-piece takers vs Southampton
Arsenal are expected to field a much-changed lineup when they take on Southampton in the FA Cup.
The Gunners have 12 players either injured or doubtful for the game, and with more important fixtures coming up, Mikel Arteta is unlikely to take many risks.
So, we expect both Rice and Saka to be left out of the starting lineup against the Saints, which means Arsenal’s deliveries will not be at their best level.
We expect Gabriel Martinelli and Max Dowman to take over the responsibilities, and it will be very interesting to see if there will be a big drop in level.
Either way, Arsenal should be able to cause Southampton problems on Saturday.
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