Each of the letters broke down to read one of Mikel Arteta’s values, such as ‘intensity’ and ‘compete’, but most telling of all was the final buzzword: ‘set-pieces’.
This derby underlined why Arteta places such value on them — and why his counterpart, Ange Postecoglou, should, too.
Two goals from corners played a vital role in securing a 3-2 win. The goals were near carbon copies, as on both occasions the Gunners disrupted goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and targeted the near post.
Set-pieces have become a valuable weapon for Arsenal, and Sunday’s goals took their tally for the season to 22, the best in the top-flight.
The Gunners have scored 16 of those goals from corners, the most by a team in a single campaign since West Brom in the 2016-17 season.
Arsenal and Manchester City have both benefited from employing dedicated set-piece coaches. Postecoglou is against such a hire, but set-pieces are a real problem for Spurs.
Prowess: Arsenal have scored 16 goals from corners in the Premier League so far this season
AFP via Getty Images
They have scored 11 goals from set-pieces this season and conceded 14. Arsenal have scored 22 and conceded six, representing a 19-goal swing between the teams.
“If I thought fixing defensive set-pieces was the answer to us bridging the gap then I’d put all of my time and effort into that,” Postecoglou said after Sunday’s game. The obvious reply is that set-piece duty can be given to others.
Nicolas Jover works with a team of analysts at Arsenal to create an extensive playbook. Manchester City, third in the Premier League for set-piece goals, rely on the work of Carlos Vicens.
“I’m not involved with set-pieces because I’m not good [at them],” Pep Guardiola said this season.
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