Arsenal’s strength was put to the test on Sunday as they faced off against Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, at Etihad Stadium. Despite a valiant effort, the Gunners were ultimately denied a statement win by a 98th-minute John Stones goal, which salvaged a 2-2 draw for City. However, the draw still showcased Arsenal’s strength and their ability to compete against the top teams in the league.
Arsenal’s Set-Piece Prowess: A Key Component of Their Strength
One area where Arsenal’s strength shone through was in their set-piece situations. The team has been working tirelessly on perfecting their set-piece strategy, and it paid off when Gabriel Magalhaes headed in a Bukayo Saka corner kick to give Arsenal the lead. As Alan Shearer noted, “It was hardly surprising that it was a set-piece that gave Arsenal the lead against City. Everyone knows how dangerous they are now, particularly at corners, but because they are so good at them, they are still very difficult to stop.”
The key to Arsenal’s success in set-piece situations lies in their precise delivery, well-executed blocks, and clever movement. According to Shearer, “You have to work extremely hard at all of them to make them work. First, you need a precise delivery, which is what Bukayo Saka provided here, then you have to execute the block, with four Arsenal players coming in from the back post and standing in the middle of the goal, in front of Ederson, to impede him and to nudge other defenders out of the way too.”
Blocking: A Crucial Aspect of Set-Piece Strategy
Blocking has become a crucial aspect of set-piece strategy in modern football. Shearer notes that “blocking was always a thing then too, a huge part of it in fact. In my day, the Italians were always great at grabbing you and not letting go, and doing anything else they could to make it difficult to get away from them.” Arsenal’s players have mastered the art of blocking, using their bodies to shield the ball and create space for their teammates to make runs.
The Role of Technology in Exposing Blocking
With the advent of advanced technology in football, blocking has become a topic of discussion among fans and pundits. Shearer notes that “now there are more TV cameras, which see everything, and from different angles, so people can highlight it afterwards and ask if someone has been fouled.” This increased scrutiny has led to a greater understanding of the role of blocking in set-piece situations.
Arsenal’s Defensive Resilience: A Testament to Their Strength
After Leandro Trossard’s red card, Arsenal’s defensive resilience was put to the test. Despite being down to 10 men, the team managed to hold off City’s attacks for almost the entire second half, showcasing their strength and determination. Shearer praises Arsenal’s defensive effort, noting that “every player put in an incredible effort to frustrate City for so long, but again there was a plan behind it and the whole team was working together.”
Arsenal’s game management was impressive, with the team staying in position, working out who to give time to in possession, and who to close down straight away. According to Shearer, “they gave no space to Doku or Savinho, for example, but they were always happy to give Ruben Dias the chance to shoot, or get on the ball.” This clever game management allowed Arsenal to shut out City for large parts of the game.
However, City’s late equalizer denied Arsenal a hard-fought win. Despite this, the team’s performance showcased their strength and resilience, and they will take heart from their courageous display against the reigning champions.
Conclusion on Arsenal’s Strength
In conclusion, Arsenal’s strength was on full display on Sunday, as they pushed Manchester City to the limit. Their set-piece prowess and defensive resilience were key components of their strength, and they will look to build on these strengths as the season progresses. As the team continues to grow and develop, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.