Arsenal conceding from a set-piece against Tottenham in the North London derby yesterday has become a familiar sight this season.
In fact, 45% of the goals the Gunners have conceded in the Premier League have come from dead-ball situations, which is the highest percentage of any team in the top flight.
Supporters on Twitter have been asking why the issue has not been addressed:
we don't have the height to compete for set pieces. we dont score much from corners either
— Daniyal Shaikh (@shaikhdaniyalj) July 12, 2020
What happens when Tierney is marking Alderweirald the whole game
— U.S. Arsenal Fan (@ARSENAL1COYG) July 12, 2020
Feels like 90%
— im ready to be hurt again (@alexbrown_07) July 12, 2020
Frustrating ??
— Stephen_Aryieta(Vgt) (@stepheneotieno7) July 12, 2020
lmaooo conceded from set pieces fc
— Nadia (@nadiashaf__) July 12, 2020
See this @Arsenal @m8arteta
Shocking.— Pranshul (@Pranshulnagpal) July 12, 2020
Our defence isn't tall enough simple as.
— Pedro De Sousa (@Josepds81) July 12, 2020
musti and luiz's header is far better above toby and yet you choose KT to mark him
— tio (@txtdarijolojis) July 12, 2020
We used to be great at defending set pieces under Wenger, WTF happened? We were even decent at it in Emery's early days, now we're terrible. No confidence. We used to score like crazy on our own set pieces as well.
— XhakaLacaDingdong (@Arsenal47112583) July 12, 2020
99% of the goals Arsenal have conceded this season have been of our own making! pic.twitter.com/PeBdENLTEF
— The GIF that keeps on giving… (@ChrisGreen247) July 12, 2020
It is a mixture of personnel and poor organisation. The lack of height is certainly a problem, but you can’t have someone like Kieran Tierney, who is 5ft 10, marking a player like Toby Alderweireld who is so strong in the air.
Part of the solution will be investing in the transfer market, while there are also players like William Saliba who will be able to come in and make a difference.
For the time being, though, head coach Mikel Arteta needs to get to work on the training ground and ensure there is an improvement in the final three games of the campaign.