Every new Premier League season brings a familiar storyline: Arsenal’s opponents scramble to figure out how to neutralize their corner kicks, and more often than not, they fail. These set-piece situations continue to provide a decisive edge for the North London club.
Statistics further reinforce what fans see on the pitch. Arsenal consistently ranks among the league leaders in goals and expected goals (xG) from corners, continuing a trend that has been apparent for several seasons.
The obvious question emerges: if everyone knows Arsenal is dangerous from corners, how exactly do teams attempt to defend against them, and why do those strategies often fall short?
Opponents Trying to Adapt
Over the past few seasons, Arsenal under Mikel Arteta has demonstrated an uncanny ability to exploit virtually every defensive approach during corner situations. Pure zonal marking, man-to-man marking, or hybrid systems have all been outmaneuvered.
This prompted many teams to experiment with mixed approaches—combining zonal and man-marking techniques. One noticeable variation involves leaving one or two attackers near the midfield or just outside the penalty area during a corner. Monaco and Brighton implemented this strategy last season, followed by Olympiacos and Chelsea this campaign.
In theory, this approach allows teams to threaten a counterattack while forcing Arsenal to exercise caution. However, by reducing the number of defenders inside the penalty box, these tactics inadvertently create more space for Arsenal players to attack the ball.
The Risk of Space and Precision
The main issue with leaving defenders forward isn’t merely about sample size or theoretical effectiveness—it’s the danger inside the penalty area. Arsenal’s players exploit the additional space with precision, and the quality of deliveries from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka makes even small gaps extremely dangerous.
Arsenal has also perfected ways to manipulate opponent structures, drawing defenders out of position and attacking the vacated zones. What might be a manageable risk against other teams becomes far more hazardous against Arteta’s side, where small lapses in focus often translate into clear scoring opportunities.
Manchester City: A Model of Corner Defense
One team that has had relative success in limiting Arsenal’s corner threat this season is Manchester City. During a 1-1 draw at the Emirates in September, City faced 11 Arsenal corners but conceded only three meaningful shots.
Pep Guardiola’s team implemented a detailed defensive structure: two players stationed near the penalty spot, three marking Arsenal’s primary aerial threats man-to-man, and five covering the six-yard box in a zonal system. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s presence was also vital, as his height and willingness to dominate the six-yard area neutralized several crosses that might have caused problems for less confident goalkeepers.
Arsenal’s Mid-Game Adjustments
City’s defensive structure faced challenges when Arteta made halftime adjustments. The introduction of Eberechi Eze shifted Arsenal’s corner responsibilities, forcing City to reassess threats within the box.
Leandro Trossard became a focal point. His influence wasn’t limited to shot creation—he also blocked defenders and positioned himself strategically at the far post. On one occasion, this adjustment nearly resulted in a goal before Trossard’s attempt was blocked.
Guardiola reacted by switching to a back-five formation, bringing in Nathan Ake, and realigning far-post coverage. These changes helped City reduce Arsenal’s threat for the remainder of the match.
Teams Struggling to Adapt
Not every team adapts as effectively as City. Newcastle, for example, failed to respond adequately when Arsenal altered their corner approach at St James’ Park. Two goals from set-piece situations proved decisive in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory. Switching from far-post isolation to short corners disrupted Newcastle’s defensive structure, while Jurrien Timber’s off-the-ball movement forced reactive adjustments.
This illustrates a key point: facing Arsenal requires in-game tactical adaptability, not just pre-planned strategies.
Underestimated Players Driving Set-Piece Success
Another often overlooked factor is Arsenal’s use of players who aren’t physically imposing. Trossard and Timber, while not as tall as Gabriel or William Saliba, play critical roles in corner routines.
A clear example came in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Inter, when Timber blocked Alessandro Bastoni to create space for Trossard at the far post. Similar patterns were evident in matches against Bayern Munich and Fulham, where off-the-ball movement, well-timed blocks, and precise runs created decisive openings.
Adapting to Rule Changes
With stricter Premier League regulations regarding goalkeeper obstruction, Arsenal has also adjusted its approach. The focus has shifted from merely blocking the keeper’s initial position to disrupting movement and controlling space in front of the goal. These refinements have further enhanced the team’s effectiveness from dead-ball situations.
The Arsenal Advantage
Ultimately, Arsenal’s corner dominance isn’t just about varying set-piece schemes. It stems from collective player understanding, precise execution, and the ability to adapt routines contextually. Even when opponents anticipate patterns, Arsenal consistently finds ways to convert small advantages into goals, reinforcing their reputation as the Premier League’s dead-ball specialists.
ALSO READ :
