Arsenal's recent Europa League match against Sporting CP resulted in a goalless draw, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances.
However, one area where Arsenal particularly struggled was in their set-piece play. Despite having several opportunities from corners and free-kicks, the Gunners were unable to convert any of them into goals.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at Arsenal's set-piece struggles, their impact on the match against Sporting CP, and potential solutions for improvement.
Set Pieces: The Importance in Modern Football
Set pieces, including corners and free-kicks, are a crucial part of modern football. They provide teams with opportunities to score goals from close range, as well as creating chances for headers and volleys. Set pieces can often be the difference between winning and losing a match, particularly in tight games where goals are hard to come by. As such, it is essential for teams to have a solid set-piece strategy and execution.
Arsenal's Recent Draw against Sporting CP
In their recent Europa League match against Sporting CP, Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances from open play. As a result, they relied heavily on set pieces to create goal-scoring opportunities. However, despite having several chances from corners and free-kicks, Arsenal were unable to convert any of them into goals. This lack of efficiency in set-piece play ultimately led to a goalless draw.
Arsenal's Struggles with Set-Pieces
Arsenal's struggles with set-pieces against Sporting CP were not a one-off occurrence. In fact, the Gunners have been struggling with set-piece play throughout the season.
They have scored just three goals from set pieces in all competitions this season, which is a relatively low number for a team of Arsenal's caliber.
The lack of goals from set pieces can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of creativity in their set-piece routines and poor execution.
Lack of Creativity in Set-Piece Play
One of the main reasons why Arsenal have struggled with set pieces is a lack of creativity in their routines.
They often rely on predictable routines, making it easy for opposing teams to defend against them. As a result, they struggle to create clear goal-scoring opportunities from set pieces.
Arsenal's set-piece routines need to be more varied and creative to catch opposing teams off-guard and create better chances.
Poor Execution in Set-Piece Play
In addition to a lack of creativity, Arsenal's poor execution has also been a contributing factor to their set-piece struggles.
They often fail to deliver accurate crosses or passes, which makes it difficult for their players to get on the end of the ball.
In some cases, they also fail to challenge for headers or make runs into the box, which means that they miss out on scoring opportunities.
Concerns for Unai Emery and Arsenal's Europa League Campaign
Arsenal's struggles with set pieces are a cause for concern for manager Unai Emery and their Europa League campaign. Set pieces can be crucial in knockout matches, where a single goal can make all the difference.
If Arsenal continue to struggle with set pieces, they may find it difficult to progress in the competition, especially against teams with strong set-piece strategies.
Solutions for Arsenal's Set -Piece Woes
So, what can Arsenal do to improve their set-piece play?
One solution is to work on their routines on the training ground. The coaching staff can spend more time creating innovative set-piece routines that take into account the opposition's strengths and weaknesses.
The players can practice these routines repeatedly until they become second nature.
Another solution is to bring in players who are particularly strong in the air. Arsenal currently lacks players who can win aerial duels and challenge for headers in the box.
Bringing in a few players with these qualities could go a long way in improving their set-piece play.
Finally, Arsenal could also look to take a more direct approach with their set-piece play.
Instead of trying to be too clever or creative, they could focus on delivering high-quality crosses into the box and challenging for headers.
This approach may not be as stylish, but it could be more effective in scoring goals from set pieces.
Need for Improvement in Set-Piece Play
Arsenal's struggles with set pieces are a cause for concern, particularly in knockout competitions like the Europa League.
The lack of goals from set pieces can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of creativity in their routines and poor execution.
To improve their set-piece play, Arsenal needs to work on their routines, bring in players who are strong in the air, and take a more direct approach.
By doing so, they can increase their chances of scoring goals from set pieces and improve their overall performance on the pitch.
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