You may refer to them as Stoke 2.0, but Mikel Arteta’s corner strategies are currently yielding impressive results, with set-piece expert Nicolas Jover leading the charge.

Since the start of the previous season, they have struck an impressive 30 goals from set pieces, and over 20% of their goals this season have originated from corner kicks—a crucial factor in Arsenal’s title chase.

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Our tactical analyst Dean Scoggins — from SunSport YouTube show Tactics Exposed — explores why the Gunners pose such a significant threat from corner situations and reveals the secrets to their effectiveness…

1) THREE Ts — TRIGGER, TIMING AND TRAJECTORY

THE precision exhibited is astounding. It all begins when Declan Rice or Bukayo Saka raises a hand to signal the play’s initiation.

A brief two-second delay allows the ‘train’ stationed at the back post to position itself.

The ball’s trajectory is of utmost importance; Rice typically plays it lower towards the front post, while Saka sends it arcing higher toward the center and back.

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2) THE JIGSAW PUZZLE

EVERY element must connect seamlessly for Arsenal — each player plays a defined role.

Players stationed behind the back post make calculated runs toward the front, intentionally varying their movements to unsettle defenders.

They find their way into spaces between defenders, forming a comprehensive strategy.

This ensures that if the player at the front post gets beaten, Arsenal has a ‘jumper’ to outpace every defender, making it challenging for the opposition to respond effectively.

This approach was illustrated in Jurrien Timber’s goal against Manchester United.

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3) CHAOS CREATOR

THE Gunners consistently have an unmarked player on every corner.

United tried to set up a ‘forcefield’ around the goalkeeper to counter Arsenal’s strategy of obstructing him.

The newly designated ‘chaos creator’ moves into the goalkeeper’s line of sight, making him hesitate when considering leaving his line.

Frequently, one player first charges to the front post to disrupt the initial defender, clearing the way for the ‘jumper’ to score.

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4) HOW DO YOU STOP IT?

DEALING with this challenge proves quite difficult. United adopted a reasonable strategy, positioning two players at the front post to prevent one from being overrun by a block.

However, the implementation fell short. Bruno Fernandes was caught under the ball, while Rasmus Hojlund stood too far from the post, making them ineffective.

A more effective method would involve a center-back or dominant forward assigning themselves to the front post, holding their position.

My advice for defenders — establish yourself at the post, touch it, and own the area. Avoid being passive!

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5) PLAYING FOR CORNERS!

One straightforward approach to counteract this situation is to avoid conceding corners entirely.

During Rory Delap’s long throws at Stoke, we observed Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill opting to kick the ball out for a corner rather than deal with a throw-in.

However, Arsenal frequently creates multiple chances to earn corners.

A somewhat risky strategy might involve allowing crosses from wide positions, trusting defenders and goalkeepers to handle those situations better.

Just don’t make the mistake of ‘doing a Rashford’ by conceding needless corners that lead to predictable goals!

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