Arne Slot aims subtle dig at Arsenal, a key component of Mikel Arteta’s plans will not be happy

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal know that they must beat Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium to keep pace with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool could be nine points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League by the time they kick off at the Emirates Stadium against Man City, if Arne Slot’s side can beat Bournemouth.

Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of David Raya and ahead of the crunch clash, Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal fans to ‘bring the energy.’

The previous encounter was a feisty affair with Leandro Trossard getting sent off and Erling Haaland told Arteta to ‘stay humble’ after the 2-2 draw.

It seems now that the title race ‘mind games’ may just be about to begin again as Slot has aimed a subtle dig at Arsenal speaking ahead of the next round of fixtures.

Arne Slot claims Arsenal’s set-piece routines are always the same

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Bournemouth, Arne Slot has been speaking about the threat that Bournemouth pose at set-pieces and has left a subtle dig at Arsenal in his comments.

Slot stated: “In a different way to Arsenal, they (Bournemouth) are also a threat at set-pieces. Arsenal nine times out of ten do the same, they (Bournemouth) always come up with worked ones very useful for them as well.”

Arsenal know they can ill-afford to further drop points in the hunt to catch Liverpool but these comments from Slot may only further drive Nicolas Jover to future success from set-pieces.

Mikel Merino scored from a set-piece when Arsenal drew 2-2 with Liverpool earlier in the season after Declan Rice whipped an intelligent delivery in behind Liverpool’s defence.

Arsenal are the most successful team at scoring from set pieces in the Premier League

Arsenal have scored an incredible 12 goals from set-pieces so far this season, more than any other side in the Premier League.

Bukayo Saka when fit and Rice have perfected their delivery from corners and free kicks to allow the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes in particular to attack the ball.

Arsenal have scored 28% of their 44 goals in the league this season from set-piece routines (excluding penalties) and Arteta has often credited the hard work and detail that Jover puts into his work.

If Arsenal beat Manchester City with another set-piece routine, fans and those associated with the club will not care in the slightest as the most important thing is the three precious points.