‘What’s so difficult’… Arsenal set-piece strength questioned by ex-Premier League defender

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Arsenal earned a point against Fulham on the road on match day 15 of the Premier League season.

Arsenal and Fulham played out a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in what was a fixture dominated by the visitors.

It was however the hosts who opened the scoring, seeing Jakub Kiwior slammed for his defensive work before Raul Jimenez found the net.

Fortunately, William Saliba scored for the second time in a week to level the scoreline as Arsenal’s problems were solved by a set-piece once again.

• READ MORE: Five things you may have missed in Fulham vs Arsenal, including Martin Odegaard injury warning

Ashley Williams questions Arsenal’s set-piece strength 

By converting from a corner sequence, Saliba netted Arsenal’s 23rd goal from a corner since the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

It also stood for the fourth consecutive game that a corner had been scored by the Gunners in, telling of the work Nicolas Jover has been putting in.

While Arteta understands Jover’s importance, there’s been a question raised regarding those who come up against Arsenal in dead-ball situations.

Speaking on BBC Match of the Day 2 after the draw with Fulham, former Premier League defender Ashley Williams analysed Marco Silva’s approach to keeping Arsenal largely at bay. 

“Fulham did it a lot better than most teams,” Williams said before making a bold claim about defending against the Gunners.

“I don’t see what’s so difficult about defending Arsenal. You can still make contact with players, Saliba is the danger man and Traore uses his strength, Smith Rowe also blocks one.”

The Welshman analysed the role of Adama Traore when marking Saliba in the box, applauding how the Fulham winger approached the task.

“Even with VAR, you can still make contact. They got into a bit of a wrestling match [Saliba and Traore], Saliba wasn’t thinking about the ball anymore because Traore was on him so much. Just don’t let them have a free run.”

Type of goals Arsenal have scored in 24/25 

While Williams was right to praise Fulham’s approach at defending against Arsenal, it still didn’t rule out a goal from a corner.

Saliba found a gap to poke home Kai Havertz’s header following Bukayo Saka’s delivery, proving the Gunners haven’t been found out just yet.

There’s been a lot of talk about Arsenal’s set-piece mastery, with Arteta even compared to Tony Pulis at Stoke City.

When looking at the type of goals the Gunners have scored this season, it’s clear to see that set-pieces do play a large part however, goals from open play still dominate, which is a relief. 

Fulham certainly did better than Manchester United when it came to spotting Arsenal’s danger areas even if Jover’s tactics prevailed in the second half.

More creativity from open play needs to be seen from the Gunners aside from success from corners, with the point earned at Craven Cottage displaying such.