Innovative Strategies to Counter Arsenal’s Set-Piece Dominance

How can teams effectively disrupt Arsenal’s potent set-piece tactics?

This question has become increasingly relevant as Arsenal has emerged as a dominant force in set-piece scoring over recent seasons. Their effectiveness in this area is a formidable aspect of their gameplay, leading to ongoing discussions about how opponents can counter it.

In a recent Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg match, Liam Rosenior and Chelsea attempted an innovative approach to neutralize Arsenal’s set-pieces. This strategy came shortly after former goalkeeper Shay Given had suggested a similar idea on Match of the Day. Although Chelsea ultimately lost the match 1-0, resulting in a 4-2 aggregate defeat, their tactics may provide valuable insights for other teams.

As Arsenal prepared to take two corner kicks, Chelsea sent three players rushing forward from defense to attack. This forced Arsenal to respond quickly by sending players back to defend, disrupting their usual set-piece setup.

Teams such as Monaco and Crystal Palace have previously positioned players against Arsenal’s set-pieces, but Chelsea’s attempt to influence the situation at such a late stage was notably unique. Given’s commentary, connecting with his experience alongside Rosenior at Derby, emphasized the need for innovative tactics against Arsenal’s predictable approach. He remarked,

“I wish someone would try something different. Take nothing away from Arsenal, but I see the same setup every week—Arsenal players loaded at the back causing chaos. Each time, the layout is the same.

“What can teams do differently to create more space? If they leave three players up front, Arsenal must retain at least three or four defenders, which allows greater space for their own defenders and goalkeeper. While this strategy may also leave room for Arsenal’s forwards, it could alleviate some of the confusion caused by their numbers.”

Since the beginning of last season, Arsenal has netted an impressive 53 goals from set-pieces across all competitions, significantly outpacing other Premier League teams. Although Chelsea’s tactic did not secure them a place in the EFL Cup final, it successfully prevented Arsenal from scoring from a set-piece during that match.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp provided a critique of Chelsea’s approach, stating, “I appreciate the strategy, but my concern is that Enzo Fernandez was left marking Gabriel, giving him a significant advantage to attack the ball. Chelsea aimed to reduce congestion in the area, where Arsenal thrives on creating chaos. While they have a plan, if Arsenal delivers the ball accurately, Fernandez remains at a disadvantage.”

As Arsenal continues to shine in set-piece situations, it remains to be seen whether other teams will adopt similar tactics in an effort to neutralize their attacking prowess.