Arsenal Expose Set Piece Weakness Again in Europa League Draw to Sporting CP. Is It a Problem?
Arsenal continued their unbeaten run in the Europa League group stage with a 0-0 draw against Sporting CP on Thursday night, but the result was marred by yet another set piece lapse that almost cost them the game.
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| Fabio Vieira of Arsenal shows frustration during the UEFA Europa League round-of-16 first leg at Sporting CP's Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal |
In the first half, Sporting CP midfielder Nemanja Gudelj rose above Arsenal defenders to head a free-kick towards the bottom corner, only to be denied by the post. Later in the second half, another free-kick from Sporting CP captain Nani found Sebastian Coates unmarked in the box, but the former Liverpool defender headed over the bar.
These incidents exposed Arsenal's vulnerability in defending set pieces, which has been a recurring issue this season. In fact, Arsenal have conceded six goals from set pieces in the Premier League, more than any other top-six side.
The question is, is this a problem for Arsenal? The answer is yes, for several reasons.
Firstly, set pieces are an important part of modern football, and teams that are weak at defending or attacking them will struggle to win matches. According to a study by Opta, around 30% of goals in the Premier League last season came from set pieces, and the trend is similar in other top leagues.
Secondly, Arsenal's style of play relies heavily on possession and attacking flair, which means they often leave themselves exposed at the back when the opponent counterattacks or wins the ball in dangerous areas. In such situations, set pieces can be a lifeline for Arsenal's opponents, as they can bypass Arsenal's midfield and target their vulnerable defence directly.
Thirdly, Arsenal's set piece problems are not just limited to defending. They have also struggled to score from set pieces, with only one goal from a corner in the Premier League this season. This means they are missing out on a potential source of goals and momentum in matches.
So, what can Arsenal do to fix their set piece weakness? There are several things they can try:
Improve marking and communication: Arsenal's defenders need to be more aware of their markers and communicate better with each other to avoid confusion and gaps.
Change the setup: Arsenal's zonal marking system has come under criticism for its inflexibility and lack of accountability. They could try man-marking, mixed marking, or a combination of both to add variety and reduce predictability.
Sign a specialist: Arsenal could consider signing a specialist defender who excels in aerial duels and set pieces, such as Burnley's James Tarkowski or Newcastle's Jamaal Lascelles.
Practice more: Arsenal's players and coaching staff could devote more time and attention to set pieces in training, both defensively and offensively, to hone their skills and develop new strategies.
In conclusion, Arsenal's set piece weakness is a problem that needs to be addressed if they want to compete at the highest level of football. By improving their defensive and offensive set piece abilities, Arsenal can add another dimension to their game and increase their chances of success. Otherwise, they risk conceding crucial goals and losing matches they should win.
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