The Art of Killer Corners: Arsenal’s Set-Piece Dominance

Set-pieces, once considered the underdog’s equalizer, have evolved into a sophisticated weapon for title contenders. Arsenal’s corner prowess over the past two seasons has redefined the importance of dead-ball situations in modern football. With an impressive 22 goals from corners since last season, the Gunners lead Europe’s top five leagues, surpassing even Bayer Leverkusen with 17. So, what makes Arsenal’s corners so lethal?

The Importance of Delivery

When Arsenal defeated Manchester United 2-0 in December, both goals stemmed from perfectly executed corners. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka’s exceptional delivery showcased why precision is paramount in set-pieces.

Former Blackburn Rovers set-piece specialist Morten Gamst Pedersen emphasizes the critical role of a well-placed ball:

• In-Swingers: These add pace and pressure on goalkeepers.
• Out-Swingers: Preferred by players like Ryan Shawcross, they allow attackers to generate power on headers.

For Arsenal, having versatile players like Rice and Saka ensures they can mix up their delivery styles to keep defenses guessing.

Mastering the Timing and Execution

Ryan Shawcross, who scored numerous headers during his career, highlights timing as the cornerstone of successful corners. From shaking off markers to anticipating the ball’s trajectory, every step is meticulously calculated.

• Central Defenders’ Edge: Shawcross points out that defenders like William Saliba excel at headers due to their defensive training, making them natural aerial threats in attacking situations.
• The Mental Checklist: Before connecting with the ball, players must decide whether to prioritize power, placement, or heading down for accuracy.

The Role of Reputation and Dark Arts

Arsenal’s set-piece dominance instills fear in opponents, a psychological edge that amplifies their advantage. This “fear factor” creates hesitation among defenders, often leading to crucial mistakes.

Moreover, the “dark arts” of set-pieces—such as blocking—play a pivotal role. As Stuart Reid, a set-piece analyst, explains, orchestrated movements create space for key headers to exploit.

• Tony Pulis’ Influence: Shawcross credits his former manager for pioneering blocking strategies, freeing up players at strategic positions to maximize scoring opportunities.

Turning Practice into Success

Despite the odds—only 4.6% of corners resulted in goals last season—Arsenal’s relentless training has elevated their conversion rate to 6% this season. Their commitment to mastering set-pieces pays dividends, especially in high-stakes games where such moments often decide the outcome.

Pedersen aptly concludes, “Big games are decided by set-pieces these days. The better you get at them, the higher your chances of winning.” Arsenal’s set-piece strategy is not just an X factor; it’s a game-changer.