Arsenal’s Set-Piece Brilliance Seals Crucial Triumph Against Manchester United

Manchester United didn’t earn a single corner against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night while giving the hosts 13 attempts. That was too big a risk.

Since the beginning of the last Premier League season, Nicolas Jover’s apprentices in set-pieces have scored 22 goals, with the latest two coming against Manchester United’s Andre Onana.

It was supposed to be a tight encounter between two of England’s giants, and once again, the Gunners edged it thanks to their corner kicks.

As is customary, traditional corner kicktakers Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice divided their set pieces evenly, with one taking from the right and the other from the left.

Both England internationals have seven assists from corners (since the start of last season) after Wednesday’s game.

For the opening goal, Rice delivered a curling ball to the near post, where Jurrien Timber met it with his head. The Dutch defender created some space before executing a delicate flick to send the ball past goalkeeper Onana.

The Cameroonian goalkeeper was again helpless for the second goal.

It was Saka with the assist this time as his overhit ball found Thomas Partey at the back post, who headed back across goal. His effort deflected off William Saliba’s hip to double the Gunners’ lead making it the first time that United conceded two goals from corners for 10 years in the Premier League.

In both goals, blocks played a major role.

Specialist Jover

Immediately following the goals, the camera shifted to the home bench, capturing not only head coach Mikel Arteta but also Nicolas Jover, the Gunners’ set-piece coach.

The Frenchman is doing his job perfectly Arsenal, under his guidance, has already scored 22 goals from corners since the start of last season, the highest number across any Premier League club.

What’s the secret to defending? Maybe it’s simply avoiding corners against Arsenal altogether. Particularly not 13 of them.