Arsenal were prevented from scoring from the set-piece in their 3-0 win against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League due to a clever tactic deployed by the Ligue 1 side.
At the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners defeated the principality team 3-0 after a brace from Bukayo Saka and a late goal from Kai Havertz.
Monaco dropped to 16th place as a result, missing the opportunity to secure an automatic qualification berth for the round of 16.
Even if the French side will be disappointed by the way the game turned out, at least one aspect of the strategy worked because all three of Arsenal’s goals came from open play rather than corners.
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This season, the Gunners have scored several goals straight from corners, prompting football lovers and even pundits to refer to them as “the new Stoke” in a nod to the late 2000s Potters teams inspired by Rory Delap’s long throw ins.
According to Sport Bible, Arsenal had to shift players back to protect the possibility of a counterattack when Monaco were observed to have left three players up from each corner.
That approach made taking dangerous set pieces much more difficult. Even though the Gunners missed multiple golden opportunities in the first half, they managed to score three goals and win their fourth Champions League game in six this season.
On Saturday, Arsenal will host Everton in another Premier League clash after dropping points against Fulham last weekend.
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