Arsenal have made a strategic move in their pursuit of the Premier League title by bringing in a renowned set-piece specialist. The club has appointed Thomas Gronnemark, a coach famed for his expertise in long throws, in a consultancy role.
Gronnemark's Proven Track Record
The 50-year-old Danish coach is best known for his five-year spell at Liverpool, where he worked under Jurgen Klopp from 2018 to 2023. His impact was immediate and significant. In his first season, Liverpool's possession retention from throw-ins rocketed from 18th to first in the Premier League. This period coincided with the club winning the Champions League in 2019 and their first league title in 30 years in 2020.
Gronnemark, a former Guinness World Record holder for the longest throw, arrives at the Emirates Stadium after a three-season stint at Brentford. The Bees have been the most lethal team from throw-ins, scoring nine goals from such situations since the start of last season. That's more than double any other Premier League side.
Addressing a Key Weakness
While Arsenal are already the division's standout team from set-pieces under coach Nicolas Jover, they have a specific area to improve. Mikel Arteta's side have scored 14 goals from dead-ball situations (excluding penalties) this campaign, the best record in the league. However, they are one of just eight teams yet to score from a throw-in this season.
This appointment is a clear attempt to find a marginal gain in a tightly contested title race. Clubs like Brentford, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sunderland have already shown the value of this tactic, each netting three times from throw-ins.
Arteta's Search for Every Advantage
The recruitment of Gronnemark underscores Arteta's meticulous approach as he tries to end Arsenal's 22-year wait for a Premier League crown. With the Gunners currently sitting six points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa, every detail counts.
Gronnemark's role will be to complement the existing work of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, under whom Arsenal scored more goals from corners than any other team last season. The Dane brings a wealth of experience, having also consulted for clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, and FC Midtjylland.
This specialist hire signals Arsenal's intent to leave no stone unturned in their quest for domestic glory, adding a potent new weapon to their already formidable attacking arsenal.
