Throughout the season, questions have loomed over Arsenal’s attacking prowess, with concerns about their ability to replicate the free-flowing football of the previous campaign. The recent 5-0 victory against Crystal Palace shed light on a crucial difference in approach that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been hinting at for some time. Facing yet another low defensive block, a strategy employed frequently against Premier League heavyweights like Arsenal, the Gunners showcased a newfound resilience.
In response to the low block, Roy Hodgson reinforced Crystal Palace’s defense by adding an extra center back to frustrate the hosts. Such defensive tactics have impeded Arsenal’s attempts to recreate the goal-scoring form of the previous season, where they had scored 50 goals by this stage. Arteta acknowledged the challenges in November, stating, “It’s not going to be as fluent, it’s not going to be as hectic, because there is no space to run.” However, the recent victory marked a departure from this struggle, providing a glimpse of Arsenal’s ability to navigate through defensive setups.
Crucial Role of Set Pieces: Arteta’s Strategic Emphasis
Arteta’s coaching staff played a pivotal role in dismantling the tightly organized Crystal Palace defense. Despite the manager’s claim that they didn’t focus much on set pieces leading up to the game, Arsenal currently leads the Premier League in goals scored from dead ball situations. Arteta emphasized the significance of scoring, especially against low blocks, through set pieces. The early goal in the Crystal Palace match, derived from a corner kick, showcased the meticulous execution required to breach such defenses.
The decision to switch Declan Rice to take corners, replacing Leandro Trossard, played a crucial role in this tactical innovation. While the effectiveness of this specific strategy may be hindered by Rice’s injury, Arteta downplayed the severity, stating, “He was feeling some tightness. I don’t know what muscle it was. But when he says that at 3-0, then obviously we don’t want to take any risks.” Regardless, Arsenal’s success in exploiting set pieces underscores their adaptability in breaking down resilient defenses.
Early Goals as the Key: Setting the Pace for Success
The match against Crystal Palace highlighted the paramount importance of early goals in Arsenal’s pursuit of success. Arteta acknowledged the challenges posed by teams employing low blocks, likening it to navigating traffic. The early goal not only provided a scoreboard advantage but also forced Crystal Palace to alter their defensive approach, creating spaces for Arsenal to exploit. As the Gunners continue to strive for the heights of the previous campaign in open play, the emphasis on starting fast and securing early goals emerges as a strategic priority for future encounters.
