Jamie Carragher has vehemently dismissed criticism surrounding Arsenal's dependence on set pieces this season, branding such viewpoints as "absolute nonsense." The Gunners currently sit at the summit of the Premier League table with just seven matches left to play, holding a commanding nine-point advantage over Manchester City.
Arsenal's Remarkable Campaign Under Arteta
It has been an almost flawless campaign under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, who appears poised to deliver the first league title to north London in over two decades. This potential triumph follows years of near misses, with Arsenal finishing as runners-up in each of the previous three seasons. In the 2023/24 campaign, they were edged out by Pep Guardiola's Manchester City by a mere two points, marking their closest brush with glory in recent memory.
The Set Piece Debate Intensifies
Set pieces have proven to be a crucial component of Arsenal's success this term, with the team netting 21 goals from dead-ball situations in the Premier League alone. This figure represents 34.4 per cent of their total goal haul, the highest proportion among all clubs in Europe's top five leagues. Despite this, some critics have argued that Arsenal's achievements will be overshadowed by their reliance on set pieces, rather than celebrated for their overall teamwork and defensive solidity.
Carragher, however, has launched a staunch defence of the Gunners' approach. Speaking on Sky Sports alongside Thierry Henry and David Jones, the Liverpool legend stated: "Some of the nonsense that's been spoke about Arsenal from other people in the game about, 'Should there be an asterisk around their name if they win the league,' or, 'I don't recognise them as title [winners],' is absolute nonsense."
Carragher's Analysis of Arsenal's Strategy
He elaborated further, emphasising the diversity of tactical approaches in modern football: "We analyse football teams on this show every week, all season, every year. There's no right or wrong way to play football, it's about being the best at what you do. And right now, whether you like it or not as an Arsenal supporter, they're going to be remembered as a set piece team. When they win the league, in 10 years time, people will say, 'It was only set pieces or whatever.' But how could he [Arteta] take on Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola - two of the best teams in European football at that time - with less, maybe, wages or less spend at that time? He had to find another way, and he's done it."
Domestic and European Dominance
Arsenal have not only excelled domestically but have also made significant strides in Europe this campaign. They topped the league phase of the Champions League table, securing automatic passage to the round of 16. Additionally, impressive performances in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup have paved the way for a potential quadruple this season, should the Gunners maintain their composure across all competitions.
Looking ahead, Arsenal face a crucial Champions League last-16 second-leg encounter with Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday evening. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at the BayArena, with home advantage now favouring Arteta's side as they prepare to host the fixture at the Emirates Stadium. Following this, the Gunners will meet Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, March 22, where they aim to secure the first piece of silverware in what has been a remarkable season by all measures.
