ARSENAL showed their set-piece prowess once more with a stunning free-kick routine against Liverpool.
Declan Rice delivered the perfect ball for Mikel Merino to power a header home at the Emirates on Sunday evening.
Sky SportsDeclan Rice swung in a sumptuous free-kick[/caption]
It curved past the Liverpool defenders and back in for Mikel MerinoGetty
The Spaniard powered a brilliant header into the back of the netReuters
The goal ensured Arsenal went into half-time leading 2-1 over their title rivalsGetty
Mikel Merino scores his first Arsenal goal to put Arsenal back in front! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ttPJcyO6CJ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2024
It was the Spanish midfielder’s first goal for the club as Arsenal regained the lead to go into half-time 2-1 in front.
It came as a result of the Arsenal players positioning themselves late in the box after arriving from wide on the left of the area.
Rice had also threatened with his delivery beforehand, troubling Liverpool‘s back line with wicked dead-ball crosses as the Arsenal attackers took up similar positions.
Fans hailed the set piece details – which are the work of designated coach, Nicolas Jover – Mikel Arteta‘s secret weapon.
One social media user said: “Rice’s free-kicks have been devilish.”
Another added: “That free-kick routine was a goal coming. We were warned before.”
A third replied: “Deep how insane that is. Showed the set-piece coach for like a minute and then we go on to score the free kick. Love it ”
While a fourth responded: “Forget any player, if I could make one signing in world football it would be Arsenal’s set-piece coach.
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GettyNicolas Jover, left, has been praised for his role as Arsenal’s set-piece coach[/caption]
“Every corner and free-kick they get is just as dangerous as a penalty.”
Arsenal’s set-piece coach Jover joined Arteta in North London from Manchester City in 2021.
They have now scored 24 set-piece goals in the Premier League since the start of last season, more than any other club.
Seven of those have come in just nine league games at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign.
Bukayo Saka had given Arsenal the lead with a brilliant strike, before Virgil van Dijk levelled with a header.