View: Aston Villa must pose set-piece threat to heap pressure on Arsenal
Aston Villa are will be looking to avoid three defeats on the spin when they take on Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been flying in the 2022/23 campaign but have hit a bumpy patch of form in recent weeks, with just one point from three matches.
Arsenal are now second in the Premier League after suffering a damaging 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Emirates. Pep Guardiola’s side were back to their imperious best and executed a brilliant game plan to secure what could be a vital win in the title race.
In the Gunners’ recent fixture against Everton, the Toffees secured a well-earned victory thanks to a headed goal from James Tarkowski in the second half. Dwight McNeil’s corner was guided in by the former Burnley man and it’s an area the Villans could certainly look to exploit.
The image above displays Arsenal’s set-up defensively. Arteta likes to operate with a zonal marking system, which can have its benefits. However, on this occasion, it allows for Everton’s aerial threats to attack the ball with ease.
Due to the nature of McNeil’s cross (deep and to the back post), a number of Arsenal’s best headers of the ball are completely bypassed and cannot effect the play properly. The former Burnley defender steals the run on his marker and easily guides the ball home.
The Gunners have only conceded four set-piece goals all season, but two have now come in their last three matches. Ivan Toney’s goal at the weekend was heaped in controversy but ultimately came from a dead ball scenario.
Considering Arsenal’s impressive set-piece record in the 2022/23 campaign, this is fairly shoddy defending from Arteta’s side. As the image above displays, there are three players marking thin air, whilst one of the Premier League’s most dangerous strikers peels around the back completely unmarked.
This is where zonal marking can have its downfalls, particularly against a team who specialises in the dead ball situations. Another longer ball bypasses Arsenal’s players who are primed to attack the ball.
Toney’s strike causes initial havoc in the box before he eventually equalises. Arsenal are now under immense pressure. Manchester City have reclaimed top spot in the Premier League and Arteta will now be concerned about his side’s chances of pulling off an unlikely title victory.
The Gunners will now have to put together a near-perfect run to ensure they see out what has been a really impressive season to date. The game at Villa Park feels like a free hit for Emery’s men. Yes, they’re on a bad run, but they aren’t expected to beat Arsenal and can head into the fixture with the shackles somewhat off.
Putting Arsenal under pressure from set pieces is a must for Emery. Villa have only scored five goals from dead-ball situations (Whoscored) and Saturday would be an excellent time for that number to increase.
The pressure is on the visitors and exploiting a potential newfound weakness could give Aston Villa the edge.
In other Aston Villa news, the club face competition from Barcelona to secure the signing of a striker at the end of the season.