Arsenal Set Pieces: Legal or Foul? Leverkusen Manager Questions Tactics
Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has questioned the legitimacy of Arsenal’s set-piece routines ahead of the Champions League clash between the two sides on . The concerns center around what Alonso perceives as potentially illegal blocking tactics employed by Mikel Arteta’s team during attacking free kicks and corners.
The issue surfaced following Arsenal’s recent FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town, where their set-piece maneuvers drew attention. Even as the specifics of Alonso’s complaints haven’t been fully detailed, the implication is that Arsenal players are obstructing the goalkeeper’s line of sight or illegally impeding defenders, creating an unfair advantage.
Arteta, speaking prior to the Leverkusen match, confirmed the availability of several key players who had been sidelined with injuries. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães are both back in contention, bolstering Arsenal’s defensive options. Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi are also expected to feature. However, Martin Ødegaard remains out of the squad. There is some uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori, with Arteta stating they are “a possibility” to be available, but their participation will be a game-time decision.
The return of Saliba and Gabriel is particularly significant for Arsenal. Their presence provides stability and experience to the backline, crucial as they navigate the demanding knockout stages of the Champions League. Rice and Zubimendi’s return further strengthens the midfield, offering Arteta more tactical flexibility.
Arsenal’s recent form has been impressive, culminating in a successful league phase where they won all eight matches. This has established them as favorites to progress further in the competition. However, Arteta is keen to emphasize the demand to prove their credentials on the pitch, particularly against a strong Leverkusen side.
“I believe so,” Arteta said when asked if Arsenal had established themselves among Europe’s elite. “Here’s football and you have to demonstrate it tomorrow night. I know that you have to be so clear what the game is going to demand. You need to perform on the day. Champions League is about the day. Within that day, there are moments and you have to be better than the opponent.”
The Champions League knockout stages represent a different challenge compared to the league phase. Arteta acknowledged this shift in mentality, stating, “You start the second part of the campaign and you know what is at stake. We start to play games where you are in or you are out, but there is no margin for manoeuvre, so we’re going to face a very challenging contest tomorrow against a really good team.”
Arteta also touched upon the increased experience within his squad, noting that many players who previously lacked Champions League exposure now have valuable minutes under their belts. “When I joined, a considerable part of the team had never played in this competition. That’s obviously something that is necessary, like in any other competition. They understand it better. Now we have to perform.”
The match against Leverkusen marks a return to a former club for Kai Havertz, who previously played for the German side. While this adds a personal dimension to the game, Arteta stressed the importance of focusing on the collective team performance.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s increased involvement in European competitions compared to the Premier League was also addressed. Arteta explained that each season presents different opportunities and that Lewis-Skelly has had both positive and challenging moments. The coach didn’t elaborate on the specific reasons for the disparity in playing time, simply stating that it’s a matter of seasonal dynamics.
The upcoming schedule is particularly demanding for Arsenal, with matches in three different competitions – the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup – over the next few games. Arteta will need to carefully manage his squad and rotate players to maintain fitness and avoid burnout. The ability to adapt to different opponents and game requirements will be crucial for success.
“The only thing you can take is game by game and try tomorrow to be better than the opposition and earn the right to win,” Arteta said. “We always talk about that. Obviously we play so many games in different competitions… You have to adapt to that. You have to, very early in the match, understand what the game is going to require, adapt to it and be better than them.”
The controversy surrounding Arsenal’s set-piece tactics adds another layer of intrigue to the tie. Alonso’s questioning suggests he believes Arsenal may be pushing the boundaries of what is permissible, and the match officials will be under scrutiny to ensure fair play. Whether these tactics will prove decisive remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly grow a talking point ahead of a crucial Champions League encounter.