Arsenal’s goal-scoring struggles have been a recurring theme this season, with Mikel Arteta often pointing to internal data to suggest that they were carrying more of an attacking threat than their results would indicate. However, it wasn’t until their recent 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace that a key aspect of their offensive prowess came to light – corners. The match showcased Arsenal’s potency from dead-ball situations, with Gabriel Magalhães scoring two crucial headers that propelled the home side to victory. Despite the win, it was evident that Palace’s lackluster performance raised questions about manager Roy Hodgson’s future. The irony lies in the fact that Arsenal did not prioritize set pieces during their training trip to Dubai, making their success in this area even more surprising.
Arteta emphasized the significance of set pieces in their game plan, especially against teams that adopt a deep defensive approach. Gabriel’s early header, sourced from a corner taken by Declan Rice, marked Arsenal’s first home goal after 50 shots. Before this game, Arsenal led the Premier League in corners won and had scored the most goals from set pieces, proving the effectiveness of their approach. The addition of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, who previously worked with Arteta at Manchester City, has played a crucial role in transforming Arsenal’s weakness into a strength. The team’s ability to convert set-piece opportunities into goals has been instrumental in their recent resurgence.
Gabriel’s proficiency in scoring from set pieces has been a game-changer for Arsenal. Since his Premier League debut in 2020, he has consistently outperformed other center-backs in goal-scoring. His contributions were evident in the match against Crystal Palace, where he netted two headers to secure a convincing victory. Despite Palace’s complaints about infringements leading to Arsenal’s goals, the Gunners’ efficiency in set pieces couldn’t be denied. The strategic execution of set pieces, coupled with Gabriel’s aerial threat, has become a key component of Arsenal’s attacking strategy.
Arteta expressed his desire for Arsenal to maintain their aggressive and motivated approach in the second half of the season. With a renewed focus on set pieces and an emphasis on capitalizing on dead-ball situations, Arsenal aims to remain competitive in the title race. The team’s ability to adapt and evolve, as seen in their improved set-piece performance, bodes well for their future prospects. As they prepare for upcoming fixtures, Arsenal’s commitment to further innovation and improvement will be crucial in sustaining their recent success.
Arsenal’s resurgence, particularly in the realm of set pieces, has been a defining factor in their recent victories. The team’s focus on maximizing opportunities from dead-ball situations has provided them with a strategic advantage over their opponents. With players like Gabriel leading the charge in set-piece goals, Arsenal has showcased a newfound attacking dimension that has bolstered their overall performances. As they continue to fine-tune their set-piece strategy and build on their recent success, Arsenal’s prospects for the remainder of the season look promising.
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