Arsenal continued to use delaying tactics at corners during their Premier League clash against Brentford, but why do they do it?
Mikel Arteta's side attempted a short-corner routine that takes significantly longer than your average set-piece on Saturday night – and they did so on several occasions at the Gtech Community Stadium.
That being said, the overall success rate was low and Brentford were allowed time to regroup.
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So why do they keep doing it? Back in September, Sky pundit Gary Neville was watching Arsenal's Premier League clash against Everton when he noticed the delaying tactics.
"I’m really interested in this Arsenal corner thing we’ve seen today," he said. "It’s interesting, they stand over the ball for so long almost like the referee is going to wander over and give a yellow card.
"And then at the time the home fans start booing like crazy they play it, at the last point before a yellow card or a referee intervention. They’ve done it two or three times, they’ve taken an age on them."
Mikel Arteta soon responded to Neville's criticism and explained that the delaying tactics helped draw Everton out of position and create space for a decisive moment.
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"Obviously they are very strong in the box so we need alternatives," Arteta said. "It’s about creating a story in the game and the players have to sense when is the best moment to do it."
Arsenal tried the corner routine on a handful of occasions when they came up against Brentford, who are renowned for their aerial presence.
But they struggled to create break them down from set-pieces. That being said, the Gunners managed to grab an 89th minute winner through Kai Havertz – his first goal from open play for Arsenal.
Still, the tactics frustrated many fans on social media during the game.
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One said: "Arsenal have been time-wasting from their own corners all season. Even when they’re not winning. It’s weird, but still should be punished. Clearly a tactic."
A second wrote: "Why are Arsenal taking so long to take corners?" while another commented: "How is there only four minutes added on? Arsenal have spent that amount of time taking corners alone, nevermind like 10 subs coming on."
A fourth added: "Why are Arsenal taking their time on corners and throw ins when it's 0-0. Very odd."
Despite a far-from-convincing performance on their travels, Arsenal went on to secure all three points against Thomas Frank's side as Havertz's late header fired them to the Premier League summit.
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Thoughts on the tactic? Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Getty ImagesTopics: Arsenal, Premier League, Brentford, Mikel Arteta
