Arsenal’s Set-Piece Struggles: An In-Depth Analysis of the Recent Dip

Arsenal, once renowned for their prowess from set-pieces, have experienced a noticeable decline in their dead-ball effectiveness. After a promising start too the 2024/25 season, including a 2-0 victory over manchester United fueled by set-piece goals, the Gunners’ form from corners and free-kicks has waned. This article delves into the reasons behind this dip, examining tactical shifts, injury impacts, and evolving opposition strategies.

The Gunners’ Once-Feared Weapon

Earlier in the season, Arsenal’s set-piece dominance was so pronounced that manager Mikel Arteta embraced comparisons to Tony Pulis’s Stoke City, known for their aerial threat. Set-pieces, orchestrated by coach Nicolas jover, served as a crucial avenue to goal, often proving decisive in tight matches.

However, recent performances paint a different picture. Arsenal have failed to score from a dead-ball situation in their last six Premier League matches and ten matches across all competitions.This barren run raises critical questions about the factors contributing to this decline.

Statistical Overview: A Clear Downturn

Even with the recent slump, Arsenal’s overall set-piece record remains competitive, but a closer look at the numbers reveals a concerning trend.

As the article highlights, “Arsenal are now ranking third for set-piece goals (12) and fifth for set-piece shots (105).” While these figures are respectable, they represent a important drop compared to their league-leading performance in the previous season.

The following table illustrates the shift in arsenal’s set-piece performance:

Statistic	2023/24 (Ranking)	2024/25 (Ranking)
Set-Piece Goals (Excluding Penalties)	20 (1st)	12 (3rd)
Set-Piece xG	14.9 (4th)	13.0 (1st)
Shots from Set-Pieces	202 (1st)	105 (5th)

Further analysis reveals that the decline became particularly pronounced after a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on January 12. since then, Arsenal’s set-piece output has diminished significantly.

Diving Deeper: Expected Goals (xG) and corner Statistics

Examining the underlying numbers provides further insight. Before Matchweek 22, Arsenal averaged 0.57 set-piece goals per game with an xG of 0.53.Post-Matchweek 22, these figures plummeted to 0.00 goals and an xG of just 0.30. Interestingly, the number of shots from set-pieces increased slightly, suggesting that the issue lies not in creating opportunities but in converting them.

When focusing specifically on corners, the data reveals a similar pattern.in the first 21 matches, corners accounted for a significant portion of Arsenal’s set-piece xG (0.47 out of 0.53). However, in the subsequent six matches, this figure dropped to just 0.15 out of 0.3, indicating a specific problem with corner execution.

The Bukayo saka Factor: Injury Impact

A key factor contributing to Arsenal’s set-piece woes is the absence of Bukayo Saka due to injury. saka is Arsenal’s primary corner taker from the right side, and his delivery is crucial to their set-piece success.

As the article states, “Five of the 10 corner assists Arsenal have accumulated in the Premier League this season have been from Saka.” This highlights the significant impact of his absence.

Before Saka’s injury, Arsenal averaged 0.56 set-piece goals per 90 minutes with an xG of 0.56 and 4.30 shots from set-pieces. After his injury, these numbers dropped to 0.28 goals, an xG of 0.36, and 3.40 shots, respectively.

Beyond Saka, injuries to other key players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli have further compounded the issue. These players provide crucial aerial presence and attacking options in the box,creating space and opportunities for others.

Evolving Opposition Strategies: Adapting to Arsenal’s Threat

another potential reason for Arsenal’s decline is that opposition teams have become more adept at defending their set-pieces. Arsenal’s set-piece routines,once innovative and unpredictable,may have become easier to anticipate.

The article suggests that opponents are “no longer shaken by Jover’s ideas.” This highlights the need for Arsenal to refresh their set-piece strategies and introduce new variations to keep opposition defenses guessing.

Expert Analysis: Tactical Adjustments and Future Outlook

To regain their set-piece dominance,Arsenal needs to address several key areas. Firstly, they need to find a suitable replacement for Saka’s corner delivery in his absence. This could involve experimenting with different players or refining existing techniques.

Secondly,Arsenal should focus on introducing new and innovative set-piece routines to surprise opposition defenses. This could involve incorporating different player movements,utilizing decoy runs,or varying the delivery height and angle.

the return of key players like Havertz and Martinelli will undoubtedly boost Arsenal’s aerial presence and attacking threat in the box, creating more opportunities from set-pieces.

Conclusion: regaining the Edge

Arsenal’s recent struggles from set-pieces highlight the importance of adaptability and innovation in modern football. While injuries have undoubtedly played a role, the Gunners must also address tactical adjustments and ensure their set-piece routines remain unpredictable and effective. as Bukayo Saka nears his return and new strategies are implemented, arsenal can once again reclaim their status as a formidable force from dead-ball situations.

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What specific aspects of Arsenal’s set-piece defending should the team focus on improving?

Archyde Exclusive: Inside Arsenal’s set-Piece Dip with Tactical Analyst, sarah Hughes

Arsenal’s early-season set-piece prowess seems to have faded.To understand why, we spoke with Sarah Hughes, a leading tactical analyst specializing in Premier League set-piece strategies. Welcome, Sarah!

Thank you for having me. Glad to be here.

The Gunners’ Set-Piece Decline: What’s Behind It?

Initially, Arsenal’s set-piece conversion rate was impressive. Now, not so much. Sarah, what’s the biggest factor contributing to this decline?

Several elements are at play. Opposition teams have certainly adapted, as the article mentions. they’re more aware of Arsenal’s typical routines. However, the injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka are undeniably meaningful.His delivery is exceptional, and that’s quantifiable in the data. The loss of aerial presence from players like Havertz when unavailable also hurts their ability to capitalize on those deliveries.

Statistical Downturn: The Numbers Don’t Lie

The statistics provided show a clear decrease in set-piece goals and shots. Arsenal are now ranking third for set-piece goals (12) and fifth for set-piece shots (105). Is it purely a matter of bad luck, or are deeper, tactical issues at hand?

Luck always plays a part in football.However,the numbers point to underlying problems.We see a drop in expected goals (xG) from set-pieces, particularly corners, which suggests a decrease in the quality of chances created. While the number of shots might have slightly increased after matchweek 22,they’re clearly less threatening. Saka’s absence contributes here; his deliveries generate higher xG chances.

The Bukayo Saka Injury: A Crippling Blow?

Five of Arsenal’s ten corner assists this season came from Saka. How much damage has his absence really caused to their set-piece efficiency?

Massive damage. He’s not just a corner taker; he’s a creative force. His ability to put the ball exactly where it needs to be, combined with the timing of arsenal’s runs, is what makes them so dangerous. Without that precise delivery,even the best aerial threats struggle to convert. The data clearly shows the negative impact on both xG and goals scored from set-pieces when he’s not on the pitch. The team needs to have contingency plans.

Adapting to the Opposition: Has Jover’s magic Faded?

The article mentions that opposition teams are “no longer shaken by Jover’s ideas.” Is it time for a complete overhaul of Arsenal’s set-piece strategy?

A complete overhaul might be too drastic, but a refresh is essential. Nicolas Jover is a brilliant coach, but even the best routines become predictable over time. More variation is needed – different run patterns, alternative delivery techniques. They need to keep their opponents guessing to regain that element of surprise. Film study on opponents is critical here. What are their weaknesses in defending set-pieces, and how can Arsenal best exploit them?

Looking Ahead: Regaining the Set-Piece Edge

What concrete steps can Arsenal take to improve their set-piece performance in the coming weeks, particularly given the congested fixture list?

Firstly, they need to find a temporary solution for Saka’s absence. Perhaps someone like Odegaard could take on more corner responsibilities from the right. Secondly, they need to prioritize new set-piece routines in training. Focus on creating confusion and movement in the box. Thirdly,they should encourage more creativity and improvisation on the pitch.Having a designated plan is solid, but the players must also identify what makes the opponents uncomfortable. Set pieces are still key to winning games. The data backs that and the analysis is solid.

A Question for Our Readers: What’s Arsenal Missing?

One last question for you,and then one for our readers. Sarah,what’s one area of set-piece strategy that you think is consistently overlooked in modern football?

I think teams often neglect the *defensive* aspects of set-pieces. They focus so much on scoring, but conceding from set-pieces is equally damaging. A well-organized defensive structure is just as crucial as inventive attacking routines.

And now, a question for our readers: Beyond injuries and tactical adjustments, what do *you* think Arsenal needs to do to rediscover their set-piece magic? Share your thoughts in the comments below!