Matthijs de Ligt has been discussing a very popular Arsenal tactic, which has made Mikel Arteta’s team one of the best in Europe.
There is no denying the fact that the Gunners are one of the most threatening teams from set-pieces, and their ability in these situations is starting to inspire other teams.
Arsenal’s ability has been hailed by many in the game, which has been a key factor in helping them top the Premier League and Champions League tables.
Now, one of Manchester United’s defenders has been discussing Arteta’s team and how good they have been in these situations.
Matthijs de Ligt hails Arsenal’s set-piece tactics
Matthijs de Ligt believes that Arsenal have started a set-piece craze in the Premier League, with ‘everybody’ now trying to replicate their quality.
No team has scored more goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season than the Gunners, with ten in total.
Gabriel Magalhaes is a real threat at set-pieces, so it’s no wonder their quality has dipped following his absence from the team.
When asked about set-pieces, De Ligt told Sky Sports: “It’s become more of a thing because people start to talk about it more. Obviously, it started with Arsenal, and everybody was saying, ‘Arsenal, they only score from set pieces,’ but everybody knows that they are also a really good team.
Are Arsenal the best set-piece team in Premier League history?
“So there comes more focus on it, I think every team now in the Premier League knows that set piece has become a major part of winning games.
“Everybody has to focus on that, and I think in that aspect we improved a lot, so I’m happy with that.”
Manchester United have actually been strong in these situations too, and are just two goals behind the Gunners in the Premier League.
Arsenal record 0.00xG from set-pieces vs Brentford
For just the first time this season, Arsenal produced an xG of 0.00 from set-pieces at home to Brentford.
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino proved to be decisive and secured a 2-0 win, but the Gunners offered nothing from corners.
Arsenal recorded an xG of 0.00 from set-pieces vs Brentford for the first time this season… 😲
How badly are the Gunners missing Gabriel Magalhaes’ threat from set-pieces? Let us know which player needs to step up for Arteta’s team in the comments…
Gabriel being sidelined has actually proved to be a huge miss in these situations, and not having Jurrien Timber starting didn’t help either.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are sweating over Declan Rice’s latest injury, with the 26-year-old becoming their main set-piece taker this season.
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