Rising Concerns Over Arsenal’s Tactical Approach

Arsenal’s increasing reliance on set-pieces has turn into a major talking point in the Premier League, dividing opinion as the club pushes for its first league title in 22 years. While some admire the effectiveness of their strategy, others are voicing concerns about time-wasting and perceived gamesmanship.

The Gunners have scored 21 goals from set-pieces this season, including 16 from corner kicks – a competition record with eight matchdays remaining. This success is largely attributed to the work of specialist coach Nicolas Jover, who joined the club at the recommendation of Mikel Arteta.

Critics Voice Their Discontent

The tactics employed by Arsenal have drawn criticism from opposing managers and pundits. Fabian Hürzeler, manager of Brighton, has been particularly vocal, arguing that the lengthy preparations for set-pieces disrupt the flow of the game.

When Arsenal takes a corner and is winning, sometimes it takes more than a minute to take it. We require to establish clear rules, because in the end we will have a playing time of 50 minutes instead of 65 minutes. Fabian Hürzeler

Other managers, including Arne Slot, Pep Guardiola, and Liam Rosenior, have also expressed their concerns.

“It’s Ridiculous” – Former Chelsea Player Condemns Tactics

Former Chelsea player John Obi Mikel recently delivered a scathing critique of Arsenal’s approach, accusing the club of attempting to cheat to win the Premier League.

For me, every time I see them during the corner kicks, during the set pieces, what they do during the set pieces, for me, it’s illegal. You cannot do that. First, they are preventing the goalkeeper and now they start to hold the players. When you hold a player, you prevent a player from jumping. How is it possible that the referee doesn’t see it? Even if the ball goes in, how is it possible that VAR doesn’t see it? And for me, the PGMOL should step in and stop this immediately, because if they don’t, a lot of teams will start doing it. And for me, it’s illegal. John Obi Mikel

Leverkusen Responds with a Goal of Their Own

Interestingly, Arsenal recently experienced a taste of their own medicine during a match against Bayer Leverkusen. Robert Andrich scored directly from a corner, prompting a reaction from the Leverkusen coaching staff, who immediately approached Arsenal’s set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover.

Arsenal’s Success on Set Pieces

This season, Arsenal has scored the opening goal from a corner on nine occasions in the Premier League, equaling the record previously held by Southampton from the 1994-95 season. In total, the club has scored 16 goals from set pieces.