How is Chelsea Using Match of the Day Tactics to Counter Arsenal's Set-Piece Threat?

Arsenal have emerged as a dominant force in European football, particularly excelling at scoring from set-pieces. Recent discussions have focused on how to disrupt this effective tactic, especially following Chelsea's innovative approach during their recent Carabao Cup semi-final match. While Chelsea's strategy didn’t lead to victory, it highlighted the need for teams to rethink their defensive setups against Arsenal's set-pieces.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Arsenal's proficiency in set-pieces has been a talking point for football analysts and rival teams alike. With 53 goals scored from set-pieces since the start of last season, they are 13 goals ahead of their nearest competitors in the Premier League. This statistic is alarming for teams looking to challenge Arsenal, as their set-piece strategy has proven difficult to counter effectively. Chelsea's recent attempt to disrupt Arsenal's rhythm by sending players forward during corners is a clear indication of the lengths teams are willing to go to combat this threat.

Key takeaways

Arsenal scored 53 goals from set-pieces since the start of last season, leading the Premier League.
Chelsea attempted a novel tactic by sending players forward during corners to disrupt Arsenal.
Former goalkeeper Shay Given suggested that teams should leave players up to create space against Arsenal's set-pieces.

Timeline: how we got here

Understanding the development of Arsenal's set-piece dominance provides context for current discussions:

August 2021: Arsenal's set-piece tactics began to gain attention after they demonstrated a clear strategy under manager Mikel Arteta.
October 2022: Arsenal scored their 40th goal from set-pieces, establishing themselves as the most effective team in the league.
January 2023: Chelsea faced Arsenal in the EFL Cup semi-finals, implementing a new strategy to counter their set-piece threat.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Chelsea's recent match against Arsenal highlighted a fresh approach to countering their set-piece strategy. By sending multiple players forward during corners, Chelsea aimed to force Arsenal to adjust their setup, potentially creating more space in the box for defenders. While the tactic did not result in a victory, it demonstrated a willingness among teams to innovate in their defensive strategies.

What was already established

Arsenal's effectiveness at set-pieces has been well-documented, with consistent performances leading to a significant tally of goals. Their strategy typically involves loading the box with attacking players to create confusion and chaos for defenders, making them a formidable opponent during set-pieces. Previous teams, including Crystal Palace and Monaco, have attempted various strategies but with limited success.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the direct impact of football tactics on consumers may seem minimal, the excitement and engagement generated by matches, particularly high-stakes encounters like those between Arsenal and Chelsea, contribute to local economies. Increased viewership often leads to higher spending in hospitality sectors, especially in areas surrounding football grounds.

Businesses and jobs

Football clubs, particularly those like Arsenal and Chelsea, play a significant role in local economies. The strategies employed by these teams can influence revenue through match-day sales, merchandise, and broadcasting rights. Innovative tactics might also prompt clubs to invest in training and recruitment, creating jobs within the sector.

Policy and regulation

Football tactics and performance can sometimes lead to broader discussions about policy, including regulations around player safety and match officiating. As teams evolve their strategies, governing bodies may need to review existing rules to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game.

Numbers that matter

53: Goals scored by Arsenal from set-pieces since the start of last season.
13: More goals than the second-placed team in the Premier League for set-pieces.
1: The number of goals scored by Chelsea in their recent match against Arsenal, highlighting the effectiveness of Arsenal's defence.

Definitions and jargon buster

Set-pieces: Situations in football where the game is stopped, allowing teams to restart play from a specific position, typically free-kicks or corners.
Carabao Cup: A domestic cup competition in English football, known for its knockout format.
Mikel Arteta: The current manager of Arsenal, known for implementing tactical innovations in the team's play.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Teams facing Arsenal in upcoming matches will likely analyse Chelsea's approach and consider implementing similar strategies. Key fixtures in the Premier League will be closely monitored for any shifts in tactics.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, teams may develop more sophisticated counter-tactics against Arsenal's set-pieces. This evolution could lead to a more dynamic approach to defending, resulting in changes to player positioning and roles during set-pieces.

Signals to watch

Changes in set-piece strategies employed by teams against Arsenal.
Increased focus on player roles during defensive setups in training sessions.
Feedback from analysts and pundits regarding the effectiveness of new tactics.

Practical guidance

Do

Study Arsenal's set-piece routines in detail to identify weaknesses.
Implement innovative tactics to disrupt their typical setups.
Communicate effectively among defenders to manage marking responsibilities.

Don’t

Neglect player positioning, as this can lead to confusion during set-pieces.
Rely solely on traditional defensive methods without adapting to Arsenal's evolving tactics.
Overcommit players to the attack, leaving gaps in defence.

Checklist

Review previous matches to understand Arsenal's set-piece strategies.
Discuss tactical adjustments with the coaching staff and players.
Conduct set-piece drills focusing on new defensive strategies.
Monitor the effectiveness of implemented changes during matches.
Prepare contingency plans for unexpected scenarios during games.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While innovative tactics may disrupt Arsenal's set-piece effectiveness, there are inherent risks involved. Overcommitting players can leave teams vulnerable to counter-attacks. Additionally, the implementation of new strategies requires time and may not yield immediate results. As teams experiment, they must balance attacking intent with defensive solidity to avoid being caught out.

Bottom line

Arsenal's dominance in scoring from set-pieces poses a significant challenge for rival teams. Innovations, such as those attempted by Chelsea, illustrate the ongoing search for effective solutions to counter this threat. As teams adapt and evolve their strategies, the landscape of English football may witness exciting tactical battles in the coming months.

FAQs

What makes Arsenal's set-pieces so effective?

Arsenal's set-pieces are effective due to their strategic setup, which often involves multiple players creating chaos in the box, making it difficult for defenders to manage their marking duties.

How did Chelsea attempt to counter Arsenal's set-pieces?

Chelsea sent several players forward during corners to force Arsenal to pull defenders back, aiming to create more space in the penalty area for their own defenders.

Are other teams likely to adopt Chelsea’s tactics against Arsenal?

It is likely that other teams will consider adopting similar tactics in the future, especially as they analyse the effectiveness of Chelsea's approach during their match against Arsenal.