Execution, Timing, and the ‘Dark Arts’: The Anatomy of a Set Piece

Once upon a time, set-pieces were the secret weapon of the underdogs, a fleeting glimmering light of opportunity against the juggernauts of football. Yet, in a stunning evolution of the game, Arsenal has redefined this facet, transforming dead-ball situations into a veritable goldmine – particularly corner kicks, which have now emerged as potent tools wielded by title contenders and aspirants alike.

But what alchemy transforms these corners from mundane to magnificent? Let’s dive into the intricacies behind creating lethal corners.

On that momentous match day of 4 December, Arsenal triumphed over Manchester United with a 2-0 scoreline at the Emirates Stadium, both goals emanated from the corners – one executed flawlessly by Jurrien Timber, the other, a fortuitous deflection off William Saliba after a clever knockdown by Thomas Partey.

This remarkable feat bumped the Gunners’ corner-derived tally to a jaw-dropping 22 since the previous season, leading all contenders in Europe’s elite leagues, while Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen trailed significantly with their 17.

Much of the post-match dissection centered around the pristine deliveries courtesy of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. As noted by Morten Gamst Pedersen, a revered specialist of set-pieces, the essence of success lies in the delivery.

“On an in-swinger, you can go toward the goalkeeper and if the keeper misses it, you can score directly,” he remarks, aptly echoed by Son Heung-min’s dazzling ‘Olimpico’ goal against the same opponent in the Carabao Cup.

“An in-swinger will have more pace on the ball. I’d position it between the posts, right over the goalie’s head, just like Arsenal does. And importantly, you’d need to ensure it bypasses the first defender. That was always at the forefront of my mind as I prepared to take the kick.

“Various techniques are employed depending on the desired delivery. The finest passers and crossers often excel at set-piece deliveries – just look at Kevin de Bruyne, who can shoot, pass, and deliver with style. A shred of confidence goes a long way, too.”

Ryan Shawcross, the proverbial cornerstone of Stoke City’s defense, seamlessly transitioned into a menace at set-pieces, amassing a plethora of headers throughout his career. Yet, as he shared his insights, the crux of set-piece success remains in the quality of delivery.

“I always preferred an out-swinger,” Shawcross reflects, “because you can truly connect with the ball.” His tactical approach leaned towards working from the left side, allowing for a distinct jumping technique. “But above all, it’s about the delivery. With Arsenal showcasing the talents of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, the quality is unmistakable. During our successful spells, we had Liam Lawrence, Jermaine Pennant, and Matt Etherington – it’s all about delivery and the relentless desire to make contact.”

With nine league goals from headers at Stoke, Shawcross is undeniably one of the Premier League’s most accomplished aerial threats. Reflecting on his prowess, he states, “Timing is key; it’s about evading your marker, jumping at precisely the right moment.”

“As the ball approaches, the internal monologue starts: what is my play here? Am I going for placement or power? Where will it land, left or right?”

“Often, the ball’s trajectory dictates your action. You see it make contact and glide in – it’s paramount to make clean contact, aiming to direct it down whenever possible.”

Shawcross also highlights a distinct advantage in his stature, stating, “At 6ft 3ins and employing the instincts of a central defender, I thrived in heading the ball. Centre-backs inherently engage in frequent aerial duels; when juxtaposed with strikers, who often just flick the ball on, defenders are more accustomed to directing full-on contact, utilizing those skills to convert chances into goals.”

“In all honesty, I could’ve scored so many more; I believe I should have netted five each season.”

Yet beyond the physical attributes lies a psychological battlefield; as Pedersen points out, a team’s reputation for corner proficiency breeds trepidation among their opponents.

“At Blackburn, we led the league in set-piece goals at one point,” he recalls. “That fear translated into opportunities – you could witness that fear mirrored in Arsenal’s play. Once adversaries recognize that fear, they instinctively retreat, paving the way for unrestrained attacks.”

The subtlety of ‘dark arts’ tactics has gained prominence as key players’ actions off the ball become instrumental in creating laneways for teammates. The meticulous jostling and ‘blocking’ orchestrated during set-pieces are essential for creating prime conditions for a team’s best aerial threats.

“The ‘dark arts’ serve as the linchpin of corner triumph,” affirms Stuart Reid, a set-piece analyst who has collaborated with numerous professional teams.

“Regardless of aerial prowess, nearly every squad possesses at least one player proficient in the air; implementing blocking schemes enhances the likelihood of converting those chances into goals.”

“Tony Pulis was a mastermind of blocking strategies,” Shawcross notes, reflecting on his time with the Stoke City manager. “We meticulously crafted various blocks to facilitate space for targeted players; ideally, we’d position attackers to exploit the space around the front, back post, and even distract the goalkeeper.”

“All the tactical acumen currently lauded about Mikel Arteta’s plans echoes the shrewdness of Tony Pulis years ago,” he asserts.

While corner kicks remain a low probability scoring chance, accounting for just 4.6% of goals last season, Arsenal is defying the odds, boasting a conversion rate of 6% this season, a telling testament to their meticulous work on the training ground.

“Modern football deciders often hinge on set-pieces,” Pedersen concludes with conviction. “Honing this skill increases one’s chances of victory in the monumental matches – they’ve become an indispensable X factor.”