Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has identified Arsenal's set-piece threat as the biggest challenge his side has faced this season, ahead of Sunday's Premier League meeting with the champions at Anfield.
Iraola was reminded on Friday that his team have conceded only one goal from set-pieces in 13 games so far, a concession that came during a 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur. The response hinted the matter still rankles, and the head coach is preparing for a stern examination from Mikel Arteta's side.
Arsenal's Dead-Ball Dominance
Arsenal have established themselves as the Premier League's most effective side from dead-ball situations, scoring 19 goals from corners alone last season and 25 in total, accounting for 35% of their league goals. Their success has prompted copycat tactics across the division, with six-yard box scrums and long-throw specialists now common features of the English game.
Iraola acknowledged the scale of the task, noting that Arsenal had not scored from a set-piece until last weekend, when they netted twice. "They have very tall players who are very good headers and they work it very well. They give you a big demand and I think we will have to defend very well," he said. "I think we have, touch wood, dealt very well with defending set-pieces so far this season. But it's probably the biggest challenge, yes."
Defensive Solidity and Key Personnel
Liverpool's defensive record has been built on the partnership between Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk, alongside the form of Ronald Araujo at full-back. Apart from a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City following Ryan Gravenberch's red card, Iraola's side have shipped five goals in seven games.
Iraola praised Araujo's contribution, saying: "Yes it definitely helps having a centre-back at right-back when we talk about defending set-pieces. It helps a bit with the height and the physicality of the team. It helps us to defend better but it is true that you lose a little bit also offensively on the other side."
The head coach also credited assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper with overseeing set-piece work this season, adding: "I am happy, we are dealing with it well. But it is very early in the season so I don't want to say this and then we start conceding set-pieces."
Looking Ahead to the Title Race
Iraola noted that while results have been encouraging, improvements are still needed across the board. "In terms of results we are now probably in the best place but even in the first bunch of games I think, the two draws at the beginning condition everything else," he said.
With both teams having scored only one more combined than Brighton's 23 this term, Sunday's encounter could prove a tight affair. A victory for Liverpool would represent the most significant win of Iraola's short tenure and signal their emergence as serious title contenders.
