Arsenal and the Evolution of Set Pieces in the Premier League
Football analyst Shaka Hislop shared insights on Arsenal’s current trajectory in the title race, especially following their recent match against Sunderland where they dropped points. Hislop emphasized a notable shift in Arsenal’s approach this season.
For the past five years, set pieces have become increasingly influential in the Premier League. Teams are now critically leveraging corner kicks and free kicks to maximize scoring opportunities. Arsenal is now recognized globally for their efficiency during set plays, while Brentford’s long throw-ins have started to alter tactical dynamics across the league. Other teams like Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace can also transform set pieces into effective scoring chances.
What has contributed to these changes? The meticulous preparation around set-piece strategies has significantly evolved. In the past, corners may have targeted specific areas or been directed toward the tallest players, but today’s designs are far more sophisticated.
Arsenal and Tottenham were pioneering in hiring dedicated set-piece coaches, with Arsenal bringing in Nicolas Jover in 2021 and Tottenham securing Gianni Vio in 2022. Similarly, Brentford had been ahead in this field for years under the guidance of Andreas Georgson. Today, nearly all Premier League clubs feature a set-piece specialist.
Furthermore, some managers are increasingly adopting tactics from other sports, particularly the NFL. For fans of American football, recognizing parallels in strategy can be straightforward; for others, the concepts are worth exploring.
England’s World Cup ‘Love Train’ and Set-Play Innovation
England’s performance during the 2018 World Cup serves as a prime example of effective set piece execution. The Three Lions exceeded expectations by reaching the semifinals and scoring a total of 12 goals, nine of which came from set-piece situations. This achievement broke the previous record for set-piece goals held by Portugal since 1966.
Under the leadership of manager Gareth Southgate, England developed a particular formation dubbed “The Love Train” to enhance their corner kick effectiveness. Southgate revealed that this strategy was inspired by NFL tactics, crediting collaboration with coaches from the Atlanta Falcons.
The “Love Train” featured players lined up in close quarters to create confusion, enabling key opportunities such as Harry Kane’s goal against Tunisia and Harry Maguire’s header that led to a goal against Sweden.
Arsenal’s Superior Set Piece Strategy
Arsenal stands out as the top team in the Premier League regarding set piece situations, having generated the most expected goals from these plays. Their manager, Mikel Arteta, engages in discussions with Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay, exchanging strategies as both teams share ownership.
The team has various options when it comes to set pieces, often utilizing a specific tactic that sees players cluster at the back post to create disarray among defenders. This approach was evident in a recent match against West Ham United, allowing Gabriel Magalhães to find space for a header.
Aston Villa’s Tactical Approaches
Aston Villa’s manager Paulo Fonseca expressed his concerns following a narrow loss to Lille in the UEFA Conference League, highlighting how Villa employs blocking strategies during set pieces, akin to basketball screens. This technique proved effective in facilitating an unchallenged goal during the match.
Such strategies are becoming commonplace in Villa’s approach, emphasizing the need for subtle execution to avoid fouls.
Adapting NFL Techniques: The Insights of Mikel Merino
Arsenal’s Mikel Merino recently shared insights on how NFL techniques are influencing soccer training. Following discussions with Saints defensive end Cam Jordan, Merino has incorporated innovative movement strategies into his gameplay during set pieces.
Merino’s performance exemplifies how some soccer players are now adapting NFL techniques to evade defenders. His ability to maneuver around opponents was evident when he scored against Chelsea using a chopping motion to break free from a defender’s grasp.
The Future of Set Piece Strategies
Just as in the NFL, soccer is increasingly adopting successful tactics from one another. As teams around the world capitalize on these strategies, clubs are realizing the importance of investing in set-piece specialists to keep pace with their competitors. The focus on clever set piece tactics is expected to continue, providing clubs with significant advantages on the field.
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