Arsenal have scored 31 goals from corners since the start of the 2023/24 season – no other Premier League club have surpassed the 20-goal mark; the Gunners opened the scoring from their first set-piece of the season against Manchester United; Arsenal v Leeds live on Sky Sports from 5pm on Saturday; kick-off is at 5.30pm.
Image: How to counter Arsenal's corner attacks
The warning signs for Manchester United were already visible before the Gunners' corner was taken.
As the ball headed towards the corner flag, Diogo Dalot quickly made the right call, forcing a throw-in. “It's crucial given how effective Arsenal are at set pieces,” said Sky Sports' Gary Neville.
However, 22 seconds later Dalot conceded a corner, allowing Arsenal to create their first dangerous chance of the season. As usual, it ended in a goal.
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The result seemed a foregone conclusion. Declan Rice's pass, as it had last season, found its recipient. Altay Bayindir played uncertainly out of the box, and Riccardo Calafiori finished the pass at the goal line.
It's a familiar scenario. Since 2023/24, the Gunners have converted 31 corners into goals, a 1:16 conversion rate.
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With an average of almost seven corners per match, the chance of a goal fluctuating between one every two to three games – under favourable conditions.
Arsenal's expertise in set pieces is well-deserved, but scoring from the first corner of the new season sends a message to opponents: without maximum concentration on defence, defeat is inevitable.
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Riccardo Calafioti headed home Rice's cross after Bayindir's mistake to give Arsenal the lead against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
How can opponents counter this threat?
Break their rhythm
Arsenal's standard formation begins with a player (usually Rice or Saky) signalling to his teammates that a move is about to begin.
However, movements in the penalty area are unpredictable. Variety of starting positions and formations is key. In the match against Manchester United, the attackers grouped on the edge of the penalty area instead of their usual position at the far post.
Photo: Arsenal have previously often concentrated players at the far post during corners…
In the photo: … but in the match against Manchester United, a group of players moved to the edge of the penalty area
The aim is to create momentum with short runs, disorienting defenders. “It all comes down to breaking their synchronisation,” explains set-piece expert Mark Orti Esteban.
Physical challenges and zone closures are the main methods, but the increased refereeing control over blocks this season adds to the complexity.
Image: Physical pressure on Arsenal players can be countered by corners.
“You have to block their movements and close off key areas,” adds Esteban, with Gabriel, who has scored 17 goals from set pieces in five years, often the priority.
Pictured: Brighton players blocked Gabriel at corners.
The role of a strong goalkeeper
In the photo: Bayindir loses the ball under pressure from Saliba.
Saliba's interference with Bayindir was key and VAR ruled the contact legal, highlighting the importance of the goalkeeper's determination.
Pictured: Arsenal's attacking formations for corners.
Similar tactics were used against Tottenham and Leicester, demonstrating the need for refereeing attention and goalkeeping resilience.
Is zone clearing tactics effective?
Some teams experimented with leaving players on the halfway line to create space for the goalkeeper, but Arsenal continued to score with second balls, as they did against Crystal Palace.
Pictured: Crystal Palace leave their players in midfield.
Despite partial success, Arsenal are showing adaptability. The next test comes at Leeds, who have added tall players to combat set pieces. Can they stop the Gunners?
Watch Arsenal v Leeds on Sky Sports Premier League on Saturday from 5pm; kick-off 5.30pm.
Sourse: skysports.com
