FANS have accused Liverpool of copying Arsenal’s winning corner routine in their 3-1 comeback win over Leicester on Boxing Day.
Although the Reds didn’t score from the set-piece mimic, goals from Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah sent them seven points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.
Over the past 18 months, Arsenal have been the set-piece kings in the Prem and have used the tactic to devastating effect under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners have scored 22 goals from corners since the start of last season and usually have a specifically potent formula.
Arsenal’s routine sees them set-up a train of players lined up at the back post, who hold their position before scattering into the box.
The players beyond the back post make their moves to the front post — and they mix it up to confuse defenders.
After falling behind to Jordan Ayew’s opener, Liverpool were then awarded a corner, which Trent Alexander-Arnold took.
Arne Slot’s side lined up with a huddle around the back post and the idea was for them to make chaotic runs into the area to confuse Leicester.
Five players including, Andy Robertson, Darwin Nunez, Joe Gomez, Salah and Gakpo attempted to disperse off in multiple directions.
But Alexander-Arnold eventually failed to find a single teammate inside a crowded penalty area.
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Arsenal, who have faced criticism for their reliance on corners for goals, often change the trajectory of the ball.
Declan Rice favours it flatter to the front post, whereas Bukayo Saka hits it higher and more to the back and middle.
And fans were quick to point out the identical set-up.
One wrote: “Liverpool copying our set pieces whilst nine points clear? It’s not looking good for them I’m afraid. Eyes firmly in the mirror.”
Another said: “Liverpool copying Arsenal’s corner kick routine .”
A third added: “If you can’t beat them, you join them.”
But many were quick to jump to Liverpool’s defence.
One wrote: “Liverpool were doing that in pre-season pretty much every game so I think it’s the other way around.”
A second said: “Arne Slot already did this style with Feyenoord.”
Pictures appeared online of Liverpool using the same corner routine in their 2-1 win over Arsenal in the United States in August.
Arsenal have turned into a prolific team when it comes to scoring from corners.
The Gunners have now scored 22 goals from them since the start of last season – seven more than their nearest rival Manchester City and eight more than Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Two of them came against Manchester United – Jurrien Timber and William Saliba netting in the second half to earn Mikel Arteta’s men a vital win as they chase down Arne Slot’s Reds.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were the architects with their deliveries, and each now have seven set-piece assists since the start of the 2023/24 campaign – more than any other player.
United legend Dimitar Berbatov joked Arsenal are the new Stoke City of the top flight – a side under Tony Pulis who terrorised the so-called “bigger clubs” with set-piece mastery.
