Arsenal Redefines the Essence of Dead Balls

BURNLEY, SATURDAY — Set pieces are often regarded as full of uncertainty, much like a game of Russian roulette, sometimes successful and sometimes not. However, in the hands of Arsenal, set pieces have become an absolute weapon that can be utilized at any time. Through this dominance, "The Gunners" need not worry about their minimal goal record from open play.

For Arsenal, it took just ten weeks to redefine the urgency of set pieces in modern football. Bukayo Saka and his teammates once again secured victory with an opening goal from a set piece while defeating the hosts Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor Stadium, Saturday (1/11/2025) evening WIB.

The first goal was scored by striker Viktor Gyokeres from a corner kick. It was Arsenal's eighth goal from a corner kick in the Premier League this season. According to Squawka, Arsenal became the first team to score eight goals from corners in their first ten league games.

Interestingly, in addition to corner kicks, Arsenal has scored 12 goals from set pieces since the beginning of the season. This number is double the total goals scored from open play. Furthermore, five out of the total six away goals by "The Gunners" this season have also been produced from set pieces, including one at Turf Moor.

Burnley coach Scott Parker stated before the match that Arsenal is not a team that solely relies on set pieces. Parker is not wrong at all. However, in the end, his team lost momentum from the 14th minute due to their inability to cope with Arsenal's dominance in set pieces.

"To be honest, it is very difficult," said Parker when asked about other ways to stop Gyokeres' goals. "Set pieces, when you watch them, nine out of ten attempts seem like they are going to go in. You can see the way they deliver the ball and their physical advantage. So I think the problem is not with our defensive structure," he continued.

The two most important players in executing Arsenal's corner kicks are not the goal scorer Gyokeres, but rather midfielder Declan Rice and defender Gabriel Magalhaes. Rice consistently delivers sharp inward passes that can bypass the opposition's defenders.

Gabriel, with a robust physique standing at 190 centimeters, is very dominant during aerial duels in the opponent's penalty area. In Arsenal's first goal against Burnley, Gabriel provided the assist to Gyokeres. He redirected the ball, utilizing Rice's pass, with a header.

Unfazed by the noise among observers, Arteta felt very comfortable winning thanks to set pieces. This includes at Turf Moor. "I am very happy. This is a difficult place to visit. They have only lost once here in the last 18 months. The first half was one of the best we have played this season," he said.

Arteta is pleased because that first goal made the match more open. Burnley became bolder in their attacks, no longer just waiting with a very low block defense. As a result, the visiting team was able to take advantage of Burnley's lapse in concentration while attempting to score from a long throw-in.

Arsenal doubled their goals ten minutes before halftime through a quick counterattack scheme. The goal was scored by Rice, who immediately ran into the penalty area as the ball was redirected to winger Leandro Trossard. "I felt like a traditional number nine striker!," said Rice.

A similar approach has often been employed by Arsenal in previous matches. They utilize set pieces as a shortcut to break through the opponent's "bus parking" strategy. Once they take the lead, the opposing team automatically plays more openly. Almost all of Arsenal's opponents choose to defend very deeply.

For Arteta, dependence on set pieces is not a major issue this season, as they are able to consistently score goals from that scheme. Unlike last season, they also heavily relied on set pieces, but often faced a drought and had limited attacking options.

On the other hand, the dominance of set pieces also significantly impacts Arsenal's impressive defensive record. With consistent goal production, the players of "The Gunners" can maintain their formation structure with discipline. They do not rush to attack because they possess an absolute weapon in set pieces.

As a result, Arsenal has conceded only three goals from 15 matches across all competitions this season. They have also not conceded any goals in the last 10 hours and 30 minutes. Furthermore, "The Gunners" finished the match at Turf Moor without allowing any shots on target from the home team.

Arteta also praised the spirit of the players who were so eager to maintain a clean sheet. "Like after the last corner kick (by Arsenal), you saw 10 players running back 80 meters (to defend). I mean, we played with that passion, focus, and discipline. We will win many matches with that," he stated.

Arsenal's consistency from set pieces has yet to be answered by opposing teams in the league. This has led them to currently lead the top of the standings with a total of 25 points. The chances of "The Gunners" winning the championship will increase further if this consistency can be maintained. (AP/REUTERS)