ARSENAL lead the Premier League in goals conceded from set-pieces after Sunday’s North London derby defeat.
The Gunners have conceded a staggering 46 per cent of their goals this season from corners, free-kicks and penalties.
Arsenal lost 2-1 at Tottenham thanks to a late Alderweireld header
Arsenal have conceded the highest percentage of goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season
Their defence has been exposed over and over again, with Mikel Arteta in desperate need of a leader and some aerial presence at the back.
A defensive howler from Sead Kolasinac and David Luiz – as well as a late set-piece headed home by Toby Alderweireld – saw Arsenal throw away a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 at Tottenham.
The late goal from Spurs was the 44th conceded by Arsenal this season – with 20 of those coming from set pieces.
That’s a staggering 45.5 per cent – more than six per cent ahead of their closest rivals Manchester United (39.5 per cent).
Leicester (36.1 per cent) and Watford (35.2 per cent) are the only other teams to sit above 35 per cent for the season, in terms of goals conceded from set-pieces.
At the other end of the spectrum, Sheffield United – who beat Chelsea 3-0 at the weekend – lead the way.
Chris Wilder’s side are showing how to do it, conceding just FIVE times from set-pieces out of 33 goals in all (15.2 per cent).
Wolves, Burnley, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Bournemouth are the only other teams to concede fewer than a quarter of their goals from set-pieces.
After Sunday’s North London derby, Arteta apologised to Arsenal fans for his side’s defensive blunders costing yet more crucial points.
The Gunners boss said: “I am really proud of our players, to play the way we played.
“I have never seen them before dominating the opponent and nullify them as much as I’ve seen today.
Arteta apologised to fans for his side’s shoddy defensive display at SpursCredit: EPA
“But we gave them a goal again and we conceded a set-piece and, at this level, you cannot do it.
“I’m sorry for the fans because I know how much it means to all of them.
“We were very willing to give them a big moment of happiness and unfortunately, I am sorry but we could not do it.”
Mikel Arteta apologises to fans after Arsenal fall victim to more defensive issues in the North London derby
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
