Set-Piece Masters: How Arsenal’s Tactical Genius is Leaving Rivals in the Dust
Arsenal’s Set Pieces Prove Decisive in North London Derby Win
Set pieces have become Arsenal’s strongest weapon, and it was on full display in their 1-0 win against Tottenham in the 4th round of the 2024-25 season Premier League.
Arsenal’s victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, marked their third win and one draw from the opening four games, moving them up to second place behind Manchester City.
Enlarge image
Coach Mikel Arteta and coach Nicolas Zober. Image = Arsenal’s official website
Despite missing key players due to injury, including Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Ricardo Calafiori, Arsenal’s set pieces proved to be the difference-maker in the game.
Coach Mikel Arteta deployed Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Leandro Trosser in midfield, and the team relied on long passes and the pace of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to create scoring opportunities.
Enlarge image
Tottenham concede Gabriel Magalhães’ header. Photo = AP = Yonhap News
The winning goal came in the 19th minute of the second half when Gabriel Magalhenges scored from a corner kick, outpacing the defense and powerfully heading the ball into the net.
Enlarge image
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhas roars after scoring the winning goal. Photo = REUTERS = Provided by Yonhap News
Arsenal’s set pieces have become one of their strongest weapons, thanks in part to the work of coach Nicolas Jober, who joined the team in 2021.
Since Jober’s arrival, Arsenal have scored 42 goals from set pieces, making them the team with the most set pieces among teams in Europe’s top five leagues.
Enlarge image
Header Boom! Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhenges. Photo (London, England) = AFPBBNews = News1
Arsenal’s fans have taken notice of Jober’s impact, with many calling for him to receive a bonus for his work.