How can you stop Arsenal cause chaos from set-pieces?
This is the question that everyone always asks – but few find an answer.
The Gunners have been the leading force in Europe in scoring from set-plays for the past two seasons and, it is a formidable tactic, for many it has proved impossible to stop.
Step forward Liam Rosenior and Chelsea, who tried a new way to stop them in their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg tie on Tuesday night – just days after former Manchester City and Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given suggested something similar in Match of the Day.
While it didn’t stop the Gunners securing a 1-0 win – and 4-2 aggregate success – to book their place in the EFL Cup final, it may have given the opposition some food for thought.
Just as Arsenal were about to strike at their two corners, Chelsea sent three players running from defense to attack – forcing the hosts to react quickly and send players back to themselves.
Monaco and Crystal Palace have also left players against Arsenal set-pieces in the past – but neither team attempted such a late attempt to force Mikel Arteta’s men back into their own half.
They must have been listening to Given on Match of the Day last Saturday night.
After watching Arsenal score from two set-pieces in their 4-0 thrashing of Leeds, he said: “I wish someone would try something different.
“Don’t take anything away from Arsenal, but I see the same set-up every week – Arsenal players charge at the back and cause casualties. Every set-up is the same.
“Someone can try something different to stop this brilliant attacking form. What can teams do differently to create more space? If they leave three, Arsenal should leave at least three, maybe four players back.
“Then, in the defensive box, it leaves more space for the defenders and the goalkeeper. Yes, it also leaves more space for the forwards, but all the numbers cause a lot of confusion.”
Since the start of last season, Arteta’s men have scored 53 goals from set-pieces in all competitions – 13 more than anyone else in the Premier League.
And Chelsea’s tactics – while not enough to earn them a place in the EFL Cup final – at least prevented Arsenal from scoring from a set-play.
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp was less impressed.
He told Sky Sports: “I like the plan, but my problem is that Enzo Fernandez is left marking Gabriel and he has 10 yards to attack the ball.
“Chelsea tried to deny that there was too much traffic in the area, which Arsenal tried to cause chaos. Obviously they had a plan but if Arsenal had the right delivery, Enzo Fernandez had no chance.”
Will other teams follow?