Arsenal vs Chelsea: Set-Play Tactic Revealed | Premier League Analysis

The question of how to defend against Arsenal’s potent set-piece attack is dominating tactical discussions in European football. The Gunners have become a formidable force from corners and free kicks, leading opponents to seek innovative solutions.

A Novel Defensive Approach

Chelsea recently attempted a unique strategy during their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal. As Arsenal prepared to take two corner kicks, Chelsea deployed three players to sprint forward from defence into attacking positions. This unexpected move forced Arsenal to react by sending players back to defend, potentially disrupting their established set-piece routines.

Did You Know? Since the start of last season, Arsenal has scored 53 goals from set-pieces across all competitions – 13 more than any other team in the Premier League.

While this tactic didn’t prevent Arsenal from securing a 1-0 victory (and a 4-2 aggregate win) to advance to the EFL Cup final, it sparked conversation among rival teams. Other clubs, including Monaco and Crystal Palace, have previously positioned players against Arsenal’s set-pieces, but Chelsea’s late and aggressive attempt to push players forward was a new approach.

Inspired by Analysis?

The timing of Chelsea’s strategy coincided with comments made by former Manchester City and Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given on Match of the Day. Given suggested that teams should “try something different” to counter Arsenal’s effectiveness, noting that the Gunners’ set-piece routines were becoming predictable.

Expert Insight: The willingness of teams to experiment with unconventional defensive tactics highlights the significant threat Arsenal poses from set-pieces. This suggests a growing recognition that traditional defensive setups are proving insufficient against their well-coordinated attacks.

Given observed that Arsenal consistently “loads” players into attacking positions during set-pieces, creating “carnage” for opposing defenses. He proposed that by committing players forward, teams could force Arsenal to commit more players back, potentially opening up space elsewhere on the field.

However, not all analysts were convinced of the tactic’s effectiveness. Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp, speaking to Sky Sports, pointed out that Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez was left in a vulnerable position, marking Gabriel with too much space to attack the ball.

What Could Happen Next?

It remains to be seen whether other teams will adopt similar strategies. If successful, even partially, this approach could become more commonplace. However, teams will need to carefully consider the risks involved, such as leaving themselves exposed to counter-attacks. A possible next step for opposing teams could be refining Chelsea’s tactic, focusing on better defensive positioning and minimizing vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Arsenal so dangerous from set-pieces?

Arsenal has scored 53 goals from set-pieces across all competitions since the start of last season, 13 more than any other Premier League team.

What did Chelsea try to do to stop Arsenal’s set-pieces?

Chelsea sent three players sprinting from defence to attack just as Arsenal was about to take a corner, forcing Arsenal to react and send players back to defend.

Who suggested a different approach to defending against Arsenal?

Former Manchester City and Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given suggested on Match of the Day that teams should “try something different” to stop Arsenal’s set-piece threat.

Will this innovative defensive approach become a regular feature in matches against Arsenal, or will Mikel Arteta’s side find a way to counter it?