Deadly deliveries and controlled chaos: how Arsenal became set-piece masters

"Arsenal have scored 19 goals from corners in all competitions this season. Much of the credit for that goes to their primary corner takers, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. Taking corners from the left with his right foot, Rice has created eight goals, compared with five from Saka, who offers left-foot deliveries from the right. The vast majority of Arsenal's corners (81%) are in-swinging, and statistically more likely to lead to a goal than out-swinging deliveries."

"Arteta learned the ropes under Pep Guardiola, but whereas the Manchester City manager has generally favoured out-swinging or short corners to maintain possession, his former assistant has opted for a more aggressive stance. Rice, Gabriel and Saka are Arsenal's most potent set piece players Getting it in the mixer Arsenal's use of set pieces is grounded in old-school methods. There is nothing particularly sophisticated about the pattern of corner deliveries; about three-quarters are aimed squarely at the six-yard box."

"While not a giant side they are 15th in the league in terms of average height Arsenal have assembled a fleet of tall, imposing defensive players. At least three of Arteta's back four are usually involved at corners, with William Saliba often tasked with disrupting the goalkeeper as he did successfully for the winning goal at Old Trafford in August, scored by Riccardo Calafiori."

Almost 30% of Premier League goals come from set pieces, including corners, free-kicks, penalties and long throws. Arsenal have scored 17 of their 40 league goals from set pieces and 19 goals from corners in all competitions. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are the primary corner takers, with Rice creating eight goals from left-side in-swinging deliveries and Saka creating five from the right. Eighty-one percent of Arsenal's corners are in-swinging and most are aimed toward the six-yard box. Arsenal deploy several tall defenders, often three from the back four, with William Saliba tasked with disrupting goalkeepers.

Read at www.theguardian.com