Arsenal's Set-Piece Prowess and Open-Play Concerns

Arsenal's recent 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage highlighted a fascinating dichotomy in their gameplay. While their set-piece prowess, orchestrated by set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, remains a significant strength, their struggles in open play raise serious questions about their Premier League title aspirations. William Saliba's goal, a tap-in from a corner expertly worked by Jover, showcased Arsenal's effectiveness from dead-ball situations. This is a tactic that has yielded impressive results, with Arsenal scoring 23 goals from corners since the start of last season—more than any other team in Europe's top leagues. This success has even drawn tongue-in-cheek comparisons to Tony Pulis' Stoke City, renowned for their mastery of set-pieces.

Set-Piece Dominance: A Double-Edged Sword?

The Gunners' proficiency from corners has undoubtedly contributed to their goal tally. Their 2-0 win over Manchester United saw Jurrien Timber and Saliba both score from corners. This set-piece success led to much discussion and, some might say, a touch of over-reliance. The question arises, however: Is this reliance a sustainable model for a team aiming for the Premier League title?

Over-Reliance on Set-Pieces

The concerns surrounding Arsenal's reliance on set pieces aren't unfounded. While they dominated possession against Fulham, creating an Expected Goals (xG) of 2.0, their open-play xG was a meagre 0.3 – their second-lowest this season. This statistic suggests a significant shortfall in their ability to create clear-cut chances from open play. Arsenal's overall open-play xG of 1.0 or below in 10 of their 15 Premier League matches paints a worrying picture. Nine of Arsenal’s 27 non-penalty goals this season (33.33%) have been from set-pieces. While this isn't exceptionally high compared to some other teams (Nottingham Forest 35.3%, Crystal Palace 38.5%, and Everton a staggering 57.1%), it still highlights the team's dependence on this tactic.

The Open-Play Puzzle: A Lack of Creativity?

Mikel Arteta, while acknowledging Arsenal’s set-piece strength, stated that “It's never enough if you don't score three, four or five” goals, implying a need for improved open-play efficiency. This underscores the manager's awareness of Arsenal's vulnerability in this area. The Fulham game served as a stark reminder. Despite dominating possession for extended periods, especially in the first half, Arsenal struggled to penetrate Fulham's resolute defence from open play. This is a concern, especially given their title ambitions.

Inconsistency and Title Race Implications

Arsenal's inconsistency is another critical aspect. The draw against Fulham left them six points behind league leaders Liverpool, having played one game more. This points deficit is substantial and emphasizes the need for improved consistency. Chelsea’s victory over Tottenham further complicated matters, pushing them above Arsenal in the standings. This leaves Arsenal needing a remarkable turnaround to challenge Liverpool for the title. Their inability to secure wins in games they should comfortably win – highlighted by their xG statistics – makes their title challenge even more precarious.

Odegaard's Disappointment: A Reflection of the Team's Frustration

Martin Ødegaard, the Arsenal captain, expressed disappointment after the Fulham match, highlighting the team's dominance in possession and chances created but ultimately failing to convert these into goals. He candidly admitted that Arsenal need to be “more aggressive going into the box and attacking the box,” revealing a self-awareness of the team’s shortcomings in the final third.

A Critical Analysis: The Road Ahead for Arsenal

The 1-1 draw with Fulham showcases a team with undeniable strengths and glaring weaknesses. Their set-piece mastery is a significant asset, but their vulnerability in open play significantly hinders their ability to compete with teams like Liverpool. The considerable points gap to Liverpool underscores the challenge that lies ahead. With two-thirds of the season remaining, Arsenal must drastically improve their open-play efficiency and consistency to maintain a serious title challenge. Whether they can bridge this gap and sustain the necessary level of performance remains to be seen.

The potential for a thrilling title race remains, however, the onus is on Arsenal to address their shortcomings in open play. Failure to do so could see their title aspirations fade as the season progresses. The question of whether Arsenal can truly compete with Liverpool for the title hangs in the balance. It will likely be determined by their ability to rectify their open-play issues and maintain consistency throughout the remaining matches. The coming weeks will be crucial in deciding their fate in this season's Premier League race.