Mikel Arteta Expresses Frustration Over Arsenal's Corner Goal Tally
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed his disappointment that his team does not score more goals from corners, despite the Gunners leading the Premier League in this category with an impressive 16 goals from set-pieces this season. This includes both goals in their recent victory over Chelsea on Sunday, highlighting their proficiency from dead-ball situations.
Defending Set-Piece Tactics Amid Criticism
The debate over whether set-pieces are negatively impacting modern football has intensified this week, with Liverpool manager Arne Slot stating on Monday that he no longer enjoys watching some Premier League matches due to tactical trends. Despite Arsenal's success from corners, pundits like Chris Sutton have criticized their approach, suggesting that if Arsenal win the title, they could be considered the "ugliest" champions in recent memory.
Arteta, however, remains unapologetic about his team's tactics. "I'm upset that we don't score more, and that we concede as well," he said. "We want to be the best and the most dominant team in every aspect of the game, and that's the trajectory and the aim of this team, and as a club, we want to be the same. So we try to do that." When asked about the criticism directed at Arsenal, he simply responded, "Part of the job," acknowledging it as an inherent aspect of management.
Evolution of Football and Adaptation
Arteta emphasized that football has evolved significantly in recent years, necessitating tactical adaptations from teams. "You, as an opponent or whatever, you get upset when you concede a goal," he added. "I was really upset the way we conceded a goal against Chelsea. Chelsea, look at the quality that they have, the amount of set-pieces they score. Manchester United as well. I was at Man City, I used to work a lot on them."
He explained that the game has become more complex, with teams now meticulously planning for every scenario. "There are phases and there are moments when a team has an opportunity to do certain things. The game is evolving and the game is becoming more and more difficult. Before, when you used to do a game plan you'd just invert a full-back and bring an extra player in midfield. Now, teams are adapting. Teams know after every sequence of play, whether it's a throw-in, a restart of play, an open-play situation, after direct play, exactly what they have to do. And everything is almost man-to-man. So it's going to be a different game unless we change the rules because the evolution of the game is that."
Arteta's View on 'Beautiful Football'
Addressing calls for more aesthetically pleasing play, Arteta suggested that expectations need to align with reality. "I don't know how you celebrate one goal different to another one," he said. "Maybe for YouTube it's nicer one or another. I don't know. I would like to play with three players extra in my own half to get some beautiful football and play always against a free man. This is not the reality of football."
He further stated, "If you want to watch that football, you have to go to a different country because in the Premier League, for the last two seasons or three seasons, this is not the case." This comment underscores his belief that the competitive nature of the Premier League demands pragmatic approaches, including effective set-piece strategies.
Team News: Declan Rice Expected Fit
In positive news for Arsenal, midfielder Declan Rice is anticipated to be available for the upcoming match against Brighton on Wednesday, despite limping off during the Chelsea game. His fitness will be crucial as Arsenal continue their pursuit of success in the league, leveraging their strengths from corners and other set-pieces.
