Gary Neville on Arsenal’s Set-Piece Obsession and Title Struggles

Arsenal’s relentless focus on set-pieces is harming their title ambitions, according to Gary Neville. The former Manchester United captain believes that an over-reliance on structured routines, coupled with a lack of attacking fluidity, is costing Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League title race.

Missed Opportunity in the Title Race

Saturday was a defining moment in Arsenal’s season. With the chance to close the gap on Liverpool to just five points, the Gunners fell short, losing at home to West Ham. Less than 24 hours later, they watched Liverpool comfortably dispatch Manchester City 2-0, extending their lead at the top to 11 points.

Arsenal have undoubtedly been hit hard by injuries. Bukayo Saka’s absence has been a significant blow, while the long-term losses of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have left Arteta with limited options in attack. However, Neville believes Arsenal’s struggles stem from something deeper than just injuries.

“They’ve become quite rigid, they’ve become quite turgid at times to watch. This obsession with set-pieces, which was overtaking their whole game, exacerbated by this presence of the set-piece coach on the touchline, which puts more focus on set-pieces. It’s like… no. The freedom’s gone a little bit from them.”

A Tactical Shift Causing Issues?

Arsenal’s commitment to perfecting set-piece routines has been evident, with Nicolas Jover’s influence as the specialist coach growing. But Neville argues that this has come at the expense of the team’s attacking spontaneity and ability to break down teams in open play.

Put to him that a lack of attacking options due to injuries played a role in the defeat to West Ham, Neville responded:

“It’s a defence, but then you’ve got to plan for it. I know they didn’t want to do business in the January transfer window. They thought there wasn’t quite the sort of value in the market or they couldn’t get the player that would come in and impact them, but they have left themselves short. There’s no doubt about that.”

His assessment is damning. While Arsenal may have suffered key absences, Neville insists that the expectation remains the same—elite teams find a way to cope.

“And they’ve fallen short. Even without players [ruled out], they still have to do that job yesterday.”

A Blow to Arsenal’s Progress

In the past two seasons, Arsenal have made huge strides under Arteta, pushing Manchester City close and developing a young, hungry squad. Neville admits he admired their progress but believes this season has seen a shift in mentality and execution.

“The last two seasons, they’ve gone very close, and I had a lot of admiration for them. I felt like they were getting close [to winning the title]. This season is more of a problem for them than the last two. Because when City weren’t gonna be there, the team that had to be there was Arsenal because of the growth and how close they were getting.

“And it’s not going to be them, it doesn’t look like anyway.”

That, Neville suggests, will hit hardest inside the club.

“That’s the big shock and surprise. And that will be the one that’ll hit hardest in that Arsenal boardroom, and with Mikel Arteta, and the dressing room and the players, because they’re desperate to win a title and they would have felt like they were inching nearer. So it’s a blow.”

Liverpool’s Drop-Off Should Have Helped Arsenal

Liverpool, despite leading the table, have not been flawless. They have dropped points in five of their last eight matches, drawing two of their last three. Arsenal had a golden opportunity to capitalise but failed to do so.

“Arsenal had a chance to get back closer, they could’ve gone within five points, yesterday… It’s a big blow. A really big blow.”

With Arne Slot now in charge at Liverpool following Jürgen Klopp’s departure, Neville expected a drop in standards at Anfield. However, the Dutchman has been composed and in control from the outset, ensuring Liverpool remain strong contenders.

“Arne Slot has come in as the new manager, [Jurgen] Klopp’s left. I certainly felt there would be a drop-off at Liverpool, but Slot’s been such a cool customer from day one. He’s in complete control.”

Neville’s final verdict is clear. While Arsenal’s injuries are a factor, their over-reliance on set-pieces, lack of attacking fluidity, and failure to take advantage of Liverpool’s inconsistencies have contributed to their struggles. If Arteta wants to see his side take the next step, a return to the freedom and dynamism that defined their best performances over the last two years is essential.