
Since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored 23 goals from set pieces, the most of any other Premier League team.
This season alone, the gunners have been able to rely on set pieces to win big games against Spurs, and more recently Paris Saint-Germain.
Mikel Arteta has attributed Arsenal’s proficiency from set pieces to coach Nicolas Jover. The 42-year old joined the gunners from Manchester City and has contributed to Arsenal becoming one of the most dangerous dead ball teams in Europe.
“In his field, in other fields and as a person. And the relationship that we have – that’s why I made the decision to bring him to City when I was there and then to Arsenal.
“Him and the rest of the staff have injected the belief to the players that there are many ways to win football matches. This is a really powerful one and he has given us a lot. So a big compliment to all of them.”
John Barnes wants rules to be changed to stop Arsenal
Arsenal are set to face Southampton this weekend, fresh off a huge win against Paris Saint-Germain midweek.
Former Liverpool player John Barnes has now urged referees to help the keepers in the Premier League who are targeted by Arsenal’s blocking tactics.
‘I don’t want to necessarily upset Arsenal fans, but I think that the referees are going to have to look at this situation,’ Barnes said on the Seaman Says podcast.
‘The fouls on the goalkeeper. It’s not so much the contact, it’s the blocking. Now, of course, goalkeepers always complain about this, that we should be held to a different standard to footballers.
Barnes also revealed how the Gunners get away with their tactics during corner kicks.
‘Why Arsenal are so clever at doing it is because if you stand in there against the goalkeeper, blocking him, the referee can see it.
‘So by the time the ball comes it’s obvious. But when you come in late and the timing is so good that by the time the ball is arriving, you’re there blocking him, the referee doesn’t see you because he’s looking at the ball.’
Spurs boss does not think Arsenal’s tactics are “illegal”
Last season, Tottenham lost the North London derby after goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was targeted throughout the game.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou believes the tactics are perfectly legal:
“It’s a strategy. You can label it but it’s a strategy. I’m not casting judgment. If people are going to think that’s going to give them an advantage or whatever … I don’t worry about that stuff. I just try to focus on building teams that win things.”
