Arsenal moved back into second in the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but former goalkeeper Shay Given has warned the champions over a 'concern' following their dramatic drop-off in set-piece goals.
Noni Madueke scored the only goal of the game at the City Ground on 80 minutes, with his effort deflecting off Jair Cunha and past Matz Sels. The Gunners dominated possession but struggled to create chances against a stubborn Forest defence.
Set-piece struggles
Arsenal have scored 11 goals in their first seven league games, the same as Ipswich Town, and are yet to score from a set-piece this season. Just over 40 per cent of their goals last campaign came from dead balls.
'I think they had one today from Gabriel, from a header, but that is a concern because there were games last year that were tight, a bit like today and they couldn't find a way through,' Given said on Match of the Day. 'They got a bit of luck today with the deflection off Cunha, but again, set-plays are so important. The set-play coach will have to get his finger out.'
Given suggested referees are clamping down on tactics that previously benefited Arsenal: 'I think the referees are stamping down on blocks and pulls and stuff, whereas Arsenal were the experts on that last season, so they're getting away with less and that's perhaps why they're scoring less goals.'
Title challenge basis
Despite the concerns, the victory was Arsenal's sixth in seven league games, and no team has conceded fewer than their five goals this campaign.
Manager Mikel Arteta told the BBC: 'We knew it would be the case and last time we didn't manage to win the game but we did today. We had to earn it until the last second. They are a well-coached team and hard to break down. We had to take risks, they are a dangerous team. We had to manage the emotional part really well. We stayed focused, and the finishers made a huge impact.'
Madueke came on for Eberechi at half-time, with Arteta explaining: 'The way they were defending, the two units outside, the two midfielders were creating without having a real threat in behind of just forcing [Daniel] Munoz to a different type of game. They were more comfortable. That's what we have, different players with different qualities and adapt to what the game is delivering.'
On Eberechi's disappointing day, he added: 'Three days ago he scored a goal, he should have scored three and we were all happy. This is football, one day is brilliant and especially with attacking players to play a team which defends with 10 players around the box, the nine dropping almost at the edge with that chemistry it's extremely difficult to get in there. That's why you need fresh legs, a different profile and try fresh things.'
