Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are proving to have one of their most dangerous weapons, dead balls, especially corners. The players who set off corners were Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard who turned each set piece of the "Gunners" into a clear scoring opportunity.
After a 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, center back Gabriel still could not hide his surprise. He talked about the intense set-piece rehearsals and especially Declan Rice.
"We practiced a lot. When the whole team appeared in the opponent's penalty area, everyone trusted the perpetrator. Declan Rice is really special" - Gabriel shared.
Diversifying the style of play is the secret to making a difference
The most special thing about Arsenal's fixed system is not just the mobility tactics or the understanding of the aerial players. The key is the quality of accurate, varied and carefully calculated suspensions.
Rice, Saka and Odegaard have three different styles and trajectories that have given Arsenal a rare range. Saka's deep-lying spins into the far post, Odegaard's cross-field from the right wing, while Rice's strong left corner often sent the ball straight into the goal. These create a symmetrical corner kick system that makes it difficult for opponents to judge.
The move of Declan Rice to do the death ball from mid-2023-2024 season was initially just a temporary solution. After that, it gradually became a strategic choice. Under the hands of established expert Nicolas Jover, Rice quickly developed into a leading "looker" in the Premier League.
Talking numbers
In the Premier League, statistics over the past year show that Saka has the highest success rate in the league in right-angled kicks taken into the far post (68%). That was the area reserved for Gabriel or Trossard to enter and it brought countless goals.
On the other hand, Rice did not lead in each region but was the only name in the Top 10 in all regions within 6m from left corner kicks. This shows the stability and comprehensiveness of the English midfielder's suspensions.
This trio not only has good technique, they also maintain a large number of performances. Only Saka and Rice have taken over 100 corners straight into the 6m area from 2023-2024. This is a number that very few Premier League players have achieved.
Martin Odegaard is often praised for his visual vision when playing football live, proving his comprehensiveness when being in the Top 10 of the Premier League for his effective corner kick in all dangerous areas.
Trust creates strength
The key factor in corner kicks is confidence. Arsenal not only have good players, they have a system that makes receivers believe that opportunities will come. His teammates have absolute trust in the perpetrator. When knowing the ball will reach the right area, those assigned to hold the goal can increase the speed and determination to 100%.
Arsenal have the potential to transform in many ways. Sometimes they sent the ball at a strong speed and swirled deep to score directly, or created a light touch, sometimes hanging the ball away, making it difficult for the opponent to block. In addition, each situation has a purpose, structure and next plan when the ball bounces out.
Comprehensive strategy, maximum efficiency
The scariest thing is not that Arsenal are very strong at dead balls, they are becoming very unpredictable. The opponent did not know whether the ball would go straight into the middle, near the post, far the post or be crossed low into the penalty area. In addition, opponents cannot just block 1 person because Arsenal have 3 good passers and many dangerous destinations in front of the goal.
In addition, the aerial quality of central defenders such as Gabriel, Saliba or Calafiori makes Arsenal a nightmare for every defense.
When the ball dies, it becomes a Supreme weapon
From being judged to be lacking in sharpness in previous seasons, Arsenal have now turned corner kicks into a winning identity. Strategy, statistics, coaching and confidence converge to create fearsome power.
With each kick, the image of Gabriel jumping high is all too familiar. Despite scoring many goals from such situations, the Brazilian centre-back always shook his head with a smile, not believing in what he was enjoying.
Beautiful football does not only come from high-profile bounties or goals. It comes from the moment the ball leaves the foot, walks in the correct path, meets the perfect landing point and Arsenal are turning that into art.
