Jamie Redknapp identified Arsenal’s alarming statistical weakness after the Gunners’ suffered a 2-1 defeat by Bournemouth on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side threw away a lead at the Emirates after Declan Rice opened the scoring in the first half. Dean Huijsen equalised for the visitors after 67 minutes minutes before Evanilson bundled the ball home following a corner eight minutes later.
The defeat puts Arsenal’s spot in second place under serious jeopardy, with Manchester City looming three points behind.
Not to mention, if Newcastle are able to beat Brighton on Sunday, the Magpies will trail the north London club by just two points.
There is every chance Arsenal get dragged into a race for Champions League football in the final few games of the season, as they still have Liverpool and Newcastle to play.
In the aftermath of Sunday’s result, Redknapp noted where Arsenal’s defence have let them down this season. Despite conceding the fewest in the Premier League (31), Arsenal have allowed the greatest percentage of goals from set-pieces.
Jamie Redknapp identified Arsenal’s biggest defensive weakness as their set-piece record
48 per cent of Arsenal’s goals conceded in the league this season have come from set-pieces – the most of any side
The Gunners’ suffered a 2-1 defeat by Bournemouth, conceding from a corner and a throw-in
’48 per cent on their goals have been conceded from set-pieces.,’ Redknapp noted.
‘We all talk about Arsenal as being magnificent at offensive set-pieces, the detail they go into. They need to work harder on this [defensive set-pieces].
‘There’s certain things that can stop you from winning a title and this can be one of them.’
Redknapp went on to single out Arsenal’s infamous set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover.
The 43-year-old has attracted plenty of attention since arriving at the club in 2021 due to his tendency to stand in the technical area and give animated instructions during dead-ball situations.
Arsenal have become a feared team from set-pieces with Jover helping from the touchline, but his behaviour has not gone down well with everyone.
Back in December, Gary Neville branded Jover ‘the most annoying bloke in football’ after become irritated by the coach’s antics.
Redknapp added: ‘The set-piece coach gets a lot of plaudits for what he does when they score goals. I don’t know his impact on defensive ones but I can only imagine he does the same for them but they are definitely not good enough.’
Arsenal’s spot in second is now under serious threat from Man City who trail by three points
However, Redknapp extended some leniency to Arsenal, whose main man in attacking and defensive set-pieces – Gabriel – is out injured for the rest of the reason.
‘In fairness, they missed Gabriel,’ he said. ‘He’s a massive player in terms of set-pieces because he’s a leader, he heads it. But they didn’t deal with the set-piece that cost them the match today very well.’
Arsenal next travel to the Parc des Princes where they face PSG in the second-leg of their Champions League semi-final clash.
The Gunners trail the French champions 1-0 after a lacklustre performance at home in the opening leg of the tie.
