Arsenal’s prowess at set-pieces is under the spotlight once again as the side took full advantage of one of their big strengths against Manchester United.
After a far-from-inspiring first half at the Emirates Stadium, where United looked to block out the Gunners in their rigid shape, the second half gave much more to shout about.
Jurrien Timber opened the scoring with a near-post flick from a corner before Thomas Partey’s goalward bound header deflected off of William Saliba to earn a second goal from a set-piece.
In the end, Arsenal beat Manchester United thanks to their set-piece prowess, something that clearly frustrates others.
Arsenal set-piece myth in Stoke City comparison
Arsenal’s work at set-pieces has brought them results so far, with a focus on marginal gains to bring them that one step closer to their rivals.
Their proficiency has brought about comparisons to Stoke City, with ex-Man United forward Dimitar Berbatov joking on Amazon Prime Video’s coverage of the match: “As we joke, Arsenal is the new Stoke City, right? Depending on set-pieces, which can give you the win, as it was today.”
In some instances, the Gunners are absolutely depending on set-pieces but that doesn’t make them a bad side.
There is a strange association with set-pieces and the idea that it’s not a great way to win matches or it may be undeserved in some way.
The idea that Arsenal are only a good side because of their corner and free-kick routines, rather than a good side with an excellent corner and free-kick set-up is ludicrous.
Mikel Arteta shuts down Ruben Amorim claim
Continuing on the strange discussions surrounding Arsenal’s set-pieces, Amorim made a claim about Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli that baffled a few.
The Man United manager appeared to insinuate the pair play for corners, stating: “They have big players for that. You can see it in every occasion Saka and Martinelli have a one-vs-one they go outside because they know if the cross goes well they can score and if it’s a corner they can score.”
It was something that Mikel Arteta shut down after the match, replying: “No. We play with inverted wingers. They develop a lot inside so there’s not a lot of space inside.
“When they leave there is a lot of space for the full-back or for the six, if not then for the nine, if not you can go outside. We need to look at every angle.
“What they do, where they can be weak and where we can exploit the weakness of the opposition.”
Given the strength of Martinelli and Saka when cutting inside, teams would rather push them out wide away from the goal.
If the pair win a corner that they then score from, it shows how Arsenal are able to overcome opponents in multiple ways, not just one – as many suggest with set-pieces.
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Mikel Arteta on Nicolas Jover and Gary Neville dig
Arteta has already discussed the importance of Nicolas Jover, with his impact already being shown in the past few games.
Specifically on the importance of set-pieces, the Arsenal boss said: “We need that. I think we want to be very dangerous and very effective from every angle and every phase of play.
“Today we could have scored from open play like we did against West Ham and Sporting. The team really has that belief that from every angle we have the mentality to threaten the opponent and try to score. Today was two set-pieces.
“We had 13 corners. We have to take a lot from that.”
The corners were such a frustrating point for rival fans, with Gary Neville calling Jover annoying during the match.
That’s not because he’s doing anything wrong, quite the opposite, it’s because he’s doing something right for Arsenal.
It’s no wonder Arsenal want a new contract for Jover, though rival teams are at risk of focusing too much on set-pieces rather than the threat the team displays all game.
The myth is that Arsenal are set-piece FC. The reality is that they’re that good, teams have to reduce them to set-piece chances.
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