After Arsenal’s brilliant usage of set pieces to win 2-0 against Manchester United on Wednesday night, Mikel Arteta responded to Ruben Amorim’s assertion that the Gunners rely on playing for corners. Arteta’s team has mastered the art of taking advantage of dead-ball situations, and they currently sit third in the Premier League, behind Chelsea on goal differential.
The talismanic Gabriel was not in the matchday roster, therefore it was Jurrien Timber and William Saliba who benefited from Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice’s set-piece skills this time.
“Whenever Saka and Martinelli are at odds, they go outside and cross paths. They are aware that they can score if the cross goes well. According to GOAL, the new Red Devils manager asserted after full time that “they can score if it’s a corner.”
Mikel Arteta Addresses Ruben Amorim Claim
The Spaniard has defended his tactics
When asked about Amorim’s remarks, Arteta maintained that his use of inverted wingers and promotion of crowding the wide areas with multiple players are the only reasons his team scores so many corners. According to Hayters TV, he stated:
“There isn’t much room inside because we play with inverted wingers, who frequently double up as well. When they depart, there is plenty of room for the full-back or the six; if not, it’s for the nine. After that, you can go outside. In order to take advantage of the opposition’s flaws, we must examine everything from their actions to their shortcomings.
Reporter: Amorim said Saka and Martinelli deliberately try to force corners? 👀
Arteta: We try to exploit weaknesses 😏
🔗https://t.co/zWqrgpdWS2 pic.twitter.com/dOpv4JYcLE
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) December 4, 2024
In recent weeks, Arsenal’s mastery of dead balls has evolved into a kind of psychological warfare. They will apparently get unstuck once the Gunners are able to load the box, regardless of how their opponent plays against them. The two players from Arsenal, Rice and Saka, have each contributed seven Premier League assists from set plays since the beginning of the previous season; Rice has now caught up to Saka.
Their ability to close the gap with league leaders Liverpool will be greatly aided by this quiver in their bow. After the Reds were held to an unforgettable 3-3 draw at Newcastle, last night’s triumph reduced the margin by two points. But if Arsenal wants to end their 20-year Premier League title drought, they still have a long way to go.
xz
