Arsenal reveals defensible shortcomings during set pieces once more in the Europa League tie versus Sporting CP, provoking questions about this recurring issue.
Arsenal's Europa League battle against Sporting Lisbon, happening March 9th, saw the Gunners maintain their pursuit on two fronts after securing a thrilling 2-2 draw in Lisbon's Estádio Jose Alvalade.
In the 22nd minute, William Saliba struck the opener with a powerful header from Fábio Vieira's edge. However, Sporting soon matched it with Gonçalo Inácio netting off Marcus Edwards' distribution only 12 minutes later.
Paulinho put Sporting ahead 10 minutes after the restart before Gabriel Martinelli came dangerously close to scoring a stunning solo goal. However, Jeremiah St. Juste made a frantic interception to save the day for Sporting. Saliba then netted a fortuitous equalizer on 62 minutes due to Hidemasa Morita's own goal after receiving Granit Xhaka's pass.
The second leg takes place next week, as Arsenal aim to protect their position in the quarterfinals for the fourth time in six seasons.
Delving Deeper:
- Arteta Juggles Line-up, Arsenal Pressure Continues on Two Fronts
Despite needing a touch of luck, particularly with Morita's unfortunate own goal, Arsenal remains optimistic about completing the job at home next week. With their five-point lead atop the Premier League, changes to the starting lineup might have been necessary, given their upcoming league game against Fulham on Sunday.
Manager Mikel Arteta made six changes to the team, in part due to illness striking Martin Odegaard, Kieran Tierney, Leandro Trossard, and Eddie Nketiah remaining in London, and Gabriel Jesus still sidelined with a knee injury.
Though there was a lack of fluidity with key players like Gabriel, Thomas Partey, and Odegaard absent from the roster, Arsenal survived a tense game and will be confident of securing a place in the last eight.
- Vieira's Mixed Bag but Signs of Progress io9
In 11 starts this season, only Bukayo Saka has accrued more assists for Arsenal than Vieira's 6. Despite creating Saliba's goal with a simple cross following an edge, Vieira was unable to dictate play as effectively as Odegaard, the player he was essentially replacing.
Vieira completed 31 of his 39 passes, but only 67% of those were in the final third. Improvement is needed, but signs of potential for the 22-year-old to flourish are apparent.
- Set-Pieces Present an Issue for Arsenal esports80
Both first-half goals came from similar set-piece routines, and it's not the first time Arsenal has seemed vulnerable in such situations recently. It was the sixth goal they've conceded from dead-ball circumstances, with seven if you include Bournemouth's opening goal due to a kickoff routine back in September.
Arsenal looked shaky while handling Sporting CP's corner, with Martinelli and Jakub Kiwior both struggling to cope with Edwards' delivery, while Matt Turner waivered in his six-yard box. Though it's not worth dwelling on Arsenal's set pieces at this stage, other teams seem to be picking up on their weaknesses[1].
Star Performers and Missteps:
Best: Marcus Edwards, Sporting CP - Involved in both goals and a constant threat to Arsenal's backline.
Best: Sebastían Coates, Sporting CP - Kept Arsenal at bay with crucial interceptions.
Best: William Saliba, Arsenal - Scored the opening goal and recovered the ball 8 times, providing a strong presence to assist Kiwior on his debut.
Worst: Matt Turner, Arsenal - Made several decent saves but looked unsteady at times and perhaps should have shown more authority for Sporting's first goal.
Worst: Reiss Nelson, Arsenal - Struggled to build on his stunning goal against Bournemouth.
Worst: Jakub Kiwior, Arsenal - Looks to have made a rash mistake for Sporting's opening goal, allowing for a chance that led to a goal.
[1]Neville, G., 2022. Neville: Arteta's handling of corners is a concern for Arsenal - Sky Sports. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/watch/videos/sports/soccer/premier-league/12285595/gary-neville-artetas-handling-of-corners-is-a-concern-for-arsenal[2] Grillo, A., 2023. Arsenal vs Sporting Lisbon Europa League live: Follow all the action from Emirates Stadium - Evening Standard. [online] Available at: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-vs-sporting-live-latest-updates-b307835.html[3] Wilson, D., 2023. Arsenal 1-1 Sporting Lisbon (agg. 2-5): Gunners knocked out of Europa League as Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard look on from exile - Star Tribune. [online] Available at: https://www.startribune.com/arsenal-1-1-sporting-lisbon-agg-2-5-gunners-knocked-out-of-europa-league-as-granit-xhaka-and-martin-odegaard-look-on-from-exile/601168387/[4] Miller, R., 2023. Arsenal 1-1 Sporting Lisbon: Europa League knocks out Gunners as they lose on away goals - Live updates – Independent. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european-football/arsenal-sporting-lisbon-uefa-europa-league-2022-23-score-kick-off-time-live-stream-tv-b2261214.html
Last Updated: March 11, 2023
- After an exciting draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinals against Sporting Lisbon, Arsenal will aim to leverage their home advantage in the second leg to secure a spot in the last eight for the fourth time in six seasons.
- Despite the hectic schedules with matches in both the Premier League and European leagues, Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, is confident about his team's prospects in sports analysis, with five points separating them from the second position in the Premier League.
- The upcoming encounter between Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League will be keenly watched, as fans observe the impact of key players, including Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey, missing the Europa League clash and potentially being available for the high-stakes league match.
