Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba has offered his insight into how to stop Arsenal from exploiting set-pieces, a tactic that has proven deadly for the Gunners. Since the beginning of the 2023-2024 season, Arsenal have scored 22 goals from corners, a record unmatched by any other European team.
Their effectiveness was on full display in their 2-0 victory over Manchester United, where both Jurrien Timber and William Saliba found the net from well-executed corner routines.
The success of these set-piece goals has largely been attributed to the work of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, alongside the precision of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, who have played pivotal roles in delivering accurate balls into dangerous areas.
In response to Arsenal’s growing reputation for corner-based success, Drogba suggested a method to counteract their threat.
Commenting on an Instagram post celebrating Arsenal’s set-piece exploits, Drogba recommended: “Put someone 10 yards in front of the taker and ask him to jump to block the trajectory.
Then ask your goalkeeper to catch the clumsy balls and your defenders to protect him.” His suggestion aims to disrupt the delivery and prevent the precision that has become a trademark of Arsenal’s corner routines.
Despite their recent successes from set-pieces, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta rejected the notion that his team relies too heavily on these situations.
Arteta stressed that the Gunners aim to be effective across all areas of play, not just during set-piece opportunities. He remarked, “We aim to be effective in all phases of play, not just set pieces.
Last season we scored the most goals in the club’s history thanks to the variety of our attacking approach. We want to create magical and individual moments as well.”
While Arsenal’s attacking strategies continue to evolve, they have faced some challenges in the Premier League this season, currently sitting seven points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Nevertheless, they remain firmly in the hunt for the title and will look to build momentum in their upcoming London derby against Fulham.
The Cottagers, who secured a win in midweek thanks to a brace from Alex Iwobi, will undoubtedly pose a tough challenge for Arteta’s side.
As Arsenal continues to capitalize on their set-piece prowess, Drogba’s advice may prove useful for teams seeking to negate one of the Gunners’ most dangerous weapons.
