With over 20 set piece goals this season, Arsenal are banking on more of the same

[p]They are the set piece specialists this season. The [b][i][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/arsenal/hA1Zm19f/"]Gunners[/a][/i][/b] pay little attention to criticism about their ability to score outside open play. Exceptionally effective from corners, [b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/arteta-mikel/lAbHYaQM/"]Mikel Arteta[/a][/b]'s team proves week after week that they can challenge for the national title this way. So why not embrace this approach in the Champions League as well?[/p][h2]Decisive choices[/h2][p]Most teams manage to score from both corners and free kicks. However, where [b]Arsenal[/b] has chosen to innovate this year is by focusing on both. As of March 2, the Gunners had scored 21 set piece goals in the Premier League - more than any other club.[/p][p]Thanks to their players' determination in marking, the aerial strength of those who dominate in the air, and the quality of their set piece takers, the Londoners convert a significant portion of their opportunities.[/p][embed guid="3a027195-1274-4760-90f2-b03af37e43e1" url="https://x.com/CanalplusFoot/status/2028152595139768827" social-type="twitter" /][p]Training sessions are meticulously planned to make these strategies work. And while other coaches may criticise, [b]Arteta[/b] doesn't let it bother him.[/p][p] "[b]In the past, when we put together a game plan, we would simply switch a defender and add an extra midfielder[/b]," he explained after the derby against [b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/chelsea/4fGZN2oK/"]Chelsea[/a][/b], where his team won 2-1 thanks to two corners. "[b]Now, teams adapt. After every phase - whether it's a throw-in, a restart, open play, or direct play - teams know exactly what they need to do[/b]."[/p][h2]16 goals from corners[/h2][p]Nicolas Jover deserves much of the credit for the [i]Gunners[/i]' effectiveness. The French coach, a set piece specialist, has crafted the entire tactical approach. Set piece takers [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/saka-bukayo/08NLEo06/"]Bukayo Saka[/a] or [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/rice-declan/zkQ8Cm6n/"]Declan Rice[/a] target the big headers ([a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/gyokeres-viktor/zaBZ1xIk/"]Viktor Gyokeres[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/saliba-william/EgIM3sB7/"]William Saliba[/a] or [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/gabriel/tEcnVXMS/"]Gabriel[/a]), and more often than not, it pays off.[/p][p]With 16 goals from corners in the Premier League, the Londoners are thriving and aren't afraid to repeat their tactics to demoralise opponents. Their reputation for corner kicks is well established, and the psychological impact on rivals shouldn't be underestimated.[/p][embed guid="7a5452f5-f868-4159-8362-96dfcd061728" url="https://x.com/Arsenal/status/2028591427454894142" social-type="twitter" /][p]Against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/bayer-leverkusen/4jcj2zMd/"]Leverkusen[/a] this Wednesday, things are unlikely to change much. While Arsenal will try to score from open play, they're sure to be dangerous from free kicks and corners.[/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/arsenal-hA1Zm19f/bayer-leverkusen-4jcj2zMd/?mid=tGEBtHmA"]Follow Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal with Flashscore[/a][/b].[/p]