Mikel Arteta Defends Arsenal's Set-Piece Tactics Amid Criticism
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defends his team's set-piece tactics amid criticism from Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler.
Arteta shrugs off time-wasting claims, says Arsenal wants to be 'best and most dominant' in every aspect of the game...
Mikel Arteta is standing firm despite criticism of Arsenal's set-piece tactics. The Arsenal manager dismissed accusations of time-wasting and expressed frustration that his team doesn't score more from corners. Arteta's side has netted 16 goals from corners this season, tying the league record with nine games remaining.
The criticism comes from Brighton & Hove Albion coach Fabian Huerzeler, who claimed Arsenal sometimes takes over a minute to take a corner. However, Arteta shrugged off the criticism, saying he's "upset that we don't score more” and that Arsenal wants to be the best and most dominant team in every aspect of the game. He believes the game's evolution is driving teams to focus on set-pieces, making it harder to create open-play opportunities.
Brighton & Hove Albion's coach, Fabian Hurzeler, is not happy with Arsenal's corner routine, saying they sometimes take over a minute to take a corner, which he considers time-wasting. Hurzeler is calling for clearer rules on time management for set pieces, arguing that fans deserve better value for their money.
This isn't the first time Arsenal's set-piece tactics have sparked debate. They've scored 16 goals from corners this season, tying them with the league record. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains unfazed, saying they're just adapting to the evolving game and focusing on being the best.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, isn't having it when it comes to criticism of their set-piece tactics. “I'm upset that we don't score more (from corners) - and we concede as well. We want to be the best and the most dominant team in every aspect of the game,” he told reporters, showing his frustration. Arteta believes teams are adapting to neutralize open-play opportunities, making set-pieces crucial.
The Spanish coach shrugged off criticism, saying it's “part of the job” given football's tactical transformation. “Before, when you used to do a game plan and you would invert a full back or bring an extra player into midfield or a false nine, four vs three inside, two vs one inside, everyone behind the ball,” Arteta explained. Teams now know exactly what to do after every sequence of play, making the game more challenging.
"Teams are adapting, teams know after every sequence of play - whether it is a throw-in, a restart of play, an open-pitch situation - they know exactly what they have to do, and everything is almost man-to-man.
“So it is not going to be a different game unless we change the rules, because the evolution of the game is that.”
Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton's coach, is calling for clearer rules on time management in set pieces, saying fans deserve better value for their money. He's not happy with Arsenal's corner routine, which he claims sometimes takes over a minute.
Hurzeler wants the authorities to step in and provide clearer guidelines on what's acceptable. He's frustrated that the game has become too focused on tactics and time-wasting, taking away from the excitement of the match.
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“Every supporter who pays a lot of money to go to the stadiums and watch our games should see the same net game time because they pay a lot of money,” the German coach said.
“We have a net game time of 50 minutes (with the ball in play) instead of sometimes 65 minutes, so the game is changing so much.”
Arsenal is leading the Premier League with a 5-point advantage over Manchester City, having played one more game. The Gunners have 64 points from 29 games, while City has 59 points from 28 games.
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