ARSENAL showed their set-piece prowess once more with a stunning free-kick routine in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Declan Rice delivered the perfect ball for Mikel Merino to power a header home at the Emirates on Sunday evening.
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.
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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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“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.
Merino’s header put the hosts back in control, but Mo Salah struck late on to salvage a point for Arne Slot’s men.
Arsenal ratings vs Liverpool
ARSENAL lost further ground in the title race with a 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s side are a top team, but it will still frustrate Mikel Arteta that his team couldn’t clinch all three points having twice led the match.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Arsenal players…
DAVID RAYA – 6/10
Very little he could do for Liverpool’s equaliser, forced to stay on his line from the flicked-on corner, and the same goes for Mohamed Salah’s tap in from a speedy counter.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 7
Kept Salah quiet for the majority and proved his worth with ball at feet, but starting him was clearly a risk as he hobbled off late on.
BEN WHITE – 7
He may have been at centre back but his telepathy with Saka remained, curling a peach of a ball over the top for the opener and remained solid even when those around him chopped and changed.
GABRIEL – 7
Missed his centre-back partner but did well until he worryingly limped off. No surprise that Salah and Darwin Nunez found space when he was absent.
THOMAS PARTEY – 8
Was targeted in his unnatural position within the first 30 seconds but held his ground for the most part. One of Arsenal’s best players.
MIKEL MERINO – 8
A stray touch gifted Salah a great chance to score before getting a bang to the same shoulder that kept him out at the start of the season. And then, after a so-so performance, he steps up with a thumping header just before the break to regain the lead.
DECLAN RICE – 8
Did the nitty-gritty very well in the middle of the pitch with some crucial interceptions and timely tackles. Carried on covering every blade of grass until the very last.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
Drifted in and out of the game as a floating 10 and striker but got stuck in when needed and pressed like a rabid dog. Still, was quiet given his recent form.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
Lively enough without creating too many clear-cut chances in the first half. Unlucky not to win a penalty after being hauled down by Ibrahima Konate.
BUKAYO SAKA – 9
Injury? What injury? His hamstring seemed right as rain as he cruised in behind Andy Robertson, cutting it back through the full-back’s legs and firing into the roof of the net.
Was understandably taken off in the second half with a need to protect him going into a hectic period of the season.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Given freedom to roam and drop deep. Missed a sitter in the box after Martinelli’s penalty shout but lacked the service via crosses to really be effective in the first half.
Remained a physical nuisance after the break but never had that one golden opportunity.
SUBS:
JAKUB KIWIOR (GABRIEL, 54) – 6
Impressive to come in out of the cold to stay firm, but again, his work with the ball at his feet left a lot to be desired.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (TIMBER, 76) – 6
Caught out of position for Liverpool’s late leveller but showed signs of real maturity too.
GABRIEL JESUS (SAKA, 85) – N/A
ETHAN NWANERI (MARTINELLI, 85) – N/A
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
