Three key issues Arsenal must address before Real Madrid showdown

Arteta could be tempted to have his four best out-and-out defenders in Gabriel, Timber, White and William Saliba on the pitch together.

How does Arteta get more from set-pieces?

Arsenal were almost ridiculed for their use of set-pieces earlier in the season, but Sunday’s victory over Chelsea underlined the importance of them.

In a tetchy game, where Arsenal were struggling to create, Merino headed home a corner to secure all three points.

Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has time to work on some new routines before the first leg against Real Madrid on April 8

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Before that, the Gunners had gone 12 games in all competitions without a goal from a set-piece. It’s almost unthinkable, given in the first 21 Premier League games of this season they scored 12 times from set-pieces.

Given Arsenal’s injury issues in attack, in particular the fact they will have no recognised striker for the rest of the campaign, set-pieces are more important than ever.

Crucially, they now have a big gap until their next game on April 1 - when they host Fulham. Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has the rare luxury of time to think of new .

Saka, who is one of Arsenal’s corner takers, is also due to return next month and the quality of his delivery should see the Gunners’ success rate from set-pieces rise.