Arsenal: Clinton Morrison on Set-Pieces & Fan Priorities | BBC Football Daily

Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta continued on Tuesday night with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. The win, secured at the Emirates Stadium, puts the Gunners in a strong position to reach the final, but former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison believes the manner of the victory – and the increasing reliance on set-pieces – raises a broader question about priorities for Arteta’s side.

The match itself saw Arsenal take the lead through a well-worked set-piece, highlighting a growing trend in their attacking play. While the aesthetic appeal of flowing, open-play goals is undeniable, Morrison, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily, questioned whether Arsenal supporters would even be concerned with the beauty of the goals given the potential reward at the complete of the season. “What I say now, the balls in are good but no-one does man-to-man marking anymore, it’s always zonal,” Morrison observed. “I always think it’s hard to do zonal [marking]. If I’m attacking it and my man is stood still, I’m going to have the advantage on him as he is at a standing start.”

This observation speaks to a wider tactical shift in modern football, where the precision of delivery and the exploitation of zonal marking have made set-pieces increasingly potent weapons. Players like Chelsea’s Reece James and West Ham’s Declan Rice were specifically highlighted by Morrison as being among the best in the business when it comes to delivering dangerous balls into the box. The effectiveness of these deliveries, although, is predicated on the defensive vulnerabilities Morrison points out – the static nature of zonal marking leaving attackers with a significant advantage.

The context of this discussion extends beyond a single match. Arsenal are currently competing on multiple fronts, including the Premier League and, potentially, the Champions League should they continue their strong form. A trophy – particularly the Carabao Cup, which offers a relatively straightforward path to silverware – could be a significant boost to morale and momentum. Morrison’s point, isn’t a criticism of the tactics themselves, but rather a pragmatic assessment of what matters most to the fans. A beautifully constructed goal is satisfying, but a trophy is tangible proof of success.

The reliance on set-pieces also raises questions about Arsenal’s overall attacking philosophy. Arteta has, since his arrival, sought to implement a possession-based, attacking style of play. However, the increasing effectiveness of set-pieces may be forcing a tactical adjustment, a willingness to prioritize efficiency over elegance. This isn’t necessarily a negative development; it demonstrates a coach’s adaptability and a team’s willingness to embrace whatever methods yield results.

The second leg at Stamford Bridge will be crucial. Chelsea, under their new manager, will undoubtedly look to address the defensive vulnerabilities exposed at the Emirates. Whether they can successfully neutralize Arsenal’s set-piece threat – and whether Arsenal can maintain their effectiveness in this area – will go a long way towards determining who reaches the final. The tactical battle will be fascinating, a clash between defensive organization and attacking ingenuity.

Beyond the immediate implications for the Carabao Cup, Morrison’s comments touch upon a broader debate within the game. The increasing sophistication of set-piece routines, the detailed analysis of defensive weaknesses, and the emphasis on delivery accuracy are all evidence of a tactical evolution. While some purists may lament the decline of free-flowing football, the reality is that set-pieces are now an integral part of the game, and teams that fail to master them do so at their peril.

The conversation also briefly touched on Crystal Palace’s manager, Oliver Glasner, and his potential to learn from Eberechi Eze. Morrison noted Eze’s focused approach to his work, even while his wages are still being paid by Crystal Palace, suggesting Glasner could benefit from observing this dedication. This highlights the importance of player attitude and commitment, regardless of external circumstances.

Arsenal’s success this season will be judged not on the style of their goals, but on the number of trophies they lift. As Morrison succinctly put it, “do you think Arsenal fans will care?” The answer, almost is no. They will care about winning, about seeing their team compete at the highest level, and about bringing silverware back to the Emirates. And if that requires a few well-placed set-pieces along the way, so be it.

The victory over Chelsea represents a significant step towards achieving those goals. It demonstrates Arsenal’s resilience, their tactical flexibility, and their growing confidence. The second leg promises to be a tense and fiercely contested affair, but Arsenal will travel to Stamford Bridge knowing they have the upper hand – and a potent weapon in their arsenal.