'It was noticeable': Reporter shares 'random' thing he noticed Arsenal do almost immediately in 1-0 NLD win

09/16/2024 05:15 AM

Arsenal navigated their way towards yet another north London derby win on Sunday.

A towering header from Gabriel Magalhaes in the 64th minute secured all three points for the Gunners, and also ensured Mikel Arteta recorded back-to-back victories over Spurs in N17 after last season’s 3-2 win.

However, while corners are obviously a strong point for Arsenal, another dead ball situation became a talking point on Sunday…

What Arsenal are doing with throw-ins

Paul Gilmour – a reporter for Sky Sports – noticed Arsenal doing something quite interesting when it came to throwing the ball back into play against Tottenham.

Speaking live on Sky Sports in the ninth minute of Sunday’s north London derby, he said: “It was noticeable that Arsenal won their first corner of the game with a quick throw. 

“In one of the more random stats ahead of this game, 53% of Arsenal attacking throw-ins this season have helped break the line. It is significantly higher than any other side.”

It is a well documented fact that Arsenal have mastered the art of scoring from crosses under Nicolas Jover, who Declan Rice adores, having remarkably netted 16 goals from corners in the Premier League last season.

However, it is interesting to see that Arteta has clearly placed some emphasis on making sure throw-ins are taken full advantage of as well.

The Spaniard is focusing on marginal gains as well as the bigger picture, which could well be crucial come May.

Mikel Arteta will be relieved

Arteta admitted that he lost sleep thinking about how to cope in the absence of Rice and Martin Odegaard against Tottenham, so the 42-year-old will surely be delighted to have secured three crucial points with a much weakened side.

The Gunners could not afford to drop more points after the disappointing 1-1 draw against Brighton, as Arsenal fans are all too aware of given how ruthless Manchester City were at the end of last season.

Hopefully, Odegaard can return to action as soon as possible, and help Arsenal mount yet another push for the Premier League title this term.