Arsenal Vs Sheffield United: 5 things we learned – Dani Ceballos rescues Gunners

3. Defending set-pieces an issue

It is nothing new, but Arsenal still cannot defend set-pieces. This was an issue for Mikel Arteta’s side before lockdown. In all competitions, the Gunners conceded 12 goals since Arteta took over and before play was suspended. Eight of those came from set-pieces.

These included four successive goals from corners or wide set-pieces against Everton and Olympiakos. Crystal Palace scored from a freekick, Jorginho scored from a penalty in the 2-2 draw and snatched an equaliser after a dreadful Bernd Leno error in a 2-1 win earlier in the year, while Cesar Azpilicueta scored from a corner. On this occasion, Arsenal again looked extremely vulnerable from set-pieces.

John Lundstrum thought he opened the scoring after Arsenal first lost a header at the back post and then failed to track his run to the near post. He was offside and the goal was ruled out, but that had little to do with Arsenal’s defending and was entirely down to good fortune. John Egan then thought he’d scored in the second half from a freekick that was whipped into the penalty area. David McGoldrick, however, was offside from the freekick.

These were not the only uncertain moments in the penalty area. McGoldrick almost scored from a long throw-in. Several other long throw-ins caused panic among the defensive ranks, while United pushed hard from freekicks and corners in the second half. They, of course, scored the late equaliser from a long throw-in, too. Rob Holding was caught under the ball, Sead Kolasinac then kicks it against him, and then McGoldrick pokes home the loose ball. Arteta needs to solve his team’s vulnerabilities from set-pieces. They will be targetted by future opponents if he cannot.

<p>Here are five things we learned from <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53139211">the 2-1 victory</a>.</p> <div id="attachment_102706" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-102706" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1253058971-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal battles for possession with Oliver McBurnie of Sheffield United during the FA Cup Fifth Quarter Final match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on June 28, 2020 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Pool via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>5. Why won’t Maitland-Niles play right-back?</h4> <p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=ainsley+maitland-niles%22>Ainsley Maitland-Niles</a> started at right wing-back here. He failed to impact the match positively in the opening stages, but as Arsenal started to play out from the back more effectively later in the first half and beyond, the young midfielder grew into the game. At half-time, his 88% pass completion rate was the second-best in the team while his 40 touches led all midfielders and attackers.</p> <p>Maitland-Niles was central to Arsenal’s progressive play. He carried the ball well, bounding into space in front of him when he had the chance, and he provided Shkodran Mustafi and Joe Willock with passing options to shuttle possession forwards and break out of United’s pressing scheme.  His offensive play also provided Nicolas Pepe with the chance to drift inside. Maitland-Niles maintained the width in the final third and Pepe could make runs into the penalty area and pick up spaces in more central areas.</p> <p>And yet, for the positive performance he put in, Maitland-Niles seems unwilling to play right-back in a back four. Whenever he has played there, he has looked very comfortable, but he refused to feature in the position once Hector Bellerin returned. Should Maitland-Niles swallow his pride and commit to the position, he could be a high-level regular starter.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4. Arteta turns to back three </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_102703" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-102703" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1253056486-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal speaks to his team during a drinks break during the FA Cup Fifth Quarter Final match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on June 28, 2020 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Pool via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>4. Arteta turns to back three</h4> <p>Before lockdown, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=mikel+arteta%22>Mikel Arteta </a>exclusively used a 4-2-3-1 shape. This allowed him to craft the team around Mesut Ozil, who can feature in the number 10 position and nowhere else. But with Ozil now banished from the team, Arteta has rotated through different systems. And on this occasion, he introduced a back three for the first time.</p> <p>Arteta certainly hinted at it in the midweek win over Southampton. Officially a 4-3-3, Bukayo Saka played the left central midfield role almost like a wing-back at times. On this occasion, it was a more orthodox 3-4-3 with Saka pushed into the front three, Kieran Tierney and Ainsley Maitland-Niles manning the wing-back roles, and Sead Kolasinac sliding into the back three.</p> <p>Bar a shaky first 10 minutes, the formation worked well. Nicolas Pepe was more influential as he drifted into central spaces, both Maitland-Niles and Tierney were superb, while three centre-backs provided Arsenal with the opportunity to play out against just two Sheffield United attackers. Whether Arteta continues with the back three remains to be seen, but it is encouraging to see the team adapt tactically.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 3. Defending set-pieces an issue </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_102720" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-102720" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1253066875-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: David McGoldrick of Sheffield United scores his teams first goal during the FA Cup Fifth Quarter Final match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on June 28, 2020 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Pool via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>3. Defending set-pieces an issue</h4> <p>It is nothing new, but Arsenal still cannot defend set-pieces. This was an issue for Mikel Arteta’s side before lockdown. In all competitions, the Gunners conceded 12 goals since Arteta took over and before play was suspended. Eight of those came from set-pieces.</p> <div class="recent-posts "> <h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4> <ul> <li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/"> Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/"> When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury? </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/"> 2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/"> Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023 </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/"> Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start? </a> </li></ul> </div> <p>These included four successive goals from corners or wide set-pieces against Everton and Olympiakos. Crystal Palace scored from a freekick, Jorginho scored from a penalty in the 2-2 draw and snatched an equaliser after a dreadful Bernd Leno error in a 2-1 win earlier in the year, while Cesar Azpilicueta scored from a corner. On this occasion, Arsenal again looked extremely vulnerable from set-pieces.</p> <p>John Lundstrum thought he opened the scoring after Arsenal first lost a header at the back post and then failed to track his run to the near post. He was offside and the goal was ruled out, but that had little to do with Arsenal’s defending and was entirely down to good fortune. John Egan then thought he’d scored in the second half from a freekick that was whipped into the penalty area. David McGoldrick, however, was offside from the freekick.</p> <p>These were not the only uncertain moments in the penalty area. McGoldrick almost scored from a long throw-in. Several other long throw-ins caused panic among the defensive ranks, while United pushed hard from freekicks and corners in the second half. They, of course, scored the late equaliser from a long throw-in, too. Rob Holding was caught under the ball, Sead Kolasinac then kicks it against him, and then McGoldrick pokes home the loose ball. Arteta needs to solve his team’s vulnerabilities from set-pieces. They will be targetted by future opponents if he cannot.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2. Tierney impresses again </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_102718" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-102718" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1253055039-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: John Lundstram of Sheffield United wins a header over Kieran Tierney of Arsenal during the FA Cup Fifth Quarter Final match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on June 28, 2020 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Andrew Boyers/Pool via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>2. Tierney impresses again</h4> <p>We had to wait a long time to see <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=kieran+tierney%22>Kieran Tierney</a> play in an Arsenal shirt under Mikel Arteta, but now that he is fully fit and entirely assimilated with the set-up at the club, it has been well worth the wait. After an excellent performance against Southampton in a more conservative position, on this occasion, Tierney flourished from an offensive point of view.</p> <p>Playing at left wing-back in a back five, Tierney was superb. He shuttled the ball forward well, completing 45 passes, he defended stoutly, making one interception, two blocks, and winning one of his two attempted tackles, and he played five crosses, a joint team-leading figure. He also created one chance.</p> <p>It was Tierney’s composure in possession to keep the ball when put under pressure and his crossing that was most impressive. He allowed Arsenal to play out from the back well and he delivered several delicious balls into the box. His pull-back for Nicolas Pepe was the key pass in Arsenal’s best move of the game and he whipped several others into dangerous areas, though a teammate was unable to get on the other end. Tierney was at his best here, and it was wonderful to see.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 1. FA Cup dream still on </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_102719" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-102719" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1253067368-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: Dani Ceballos of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his teams second goal during the FA Cup Fifth Quarter Final match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on June 28, 2020 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Andrew Boyers/Pool via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>1. FA Cup dream still on</h4> <p>With Arsenal’s hopes in the Premier League fading after two losses in their last three matches, the FA Cup is now the most important competition for Arteta and his players. It is a chance at a trophy, which would be his first as head coach, and could help springboard the beginning of his project.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia"> <div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_102694" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet") .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet"); }); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>Of course, gaining Champions League football would be preferable given the added financial windfall the club would receive, but with a nine-point gap to fifth and an 11-point gap to fourth, that seems unlikely, even with the improvements the team has made since Arteta’s arrival.</p> <p>As such, taking the FA Cup seriously is important. Arteta has won the competition before as a player and recognises the value in instilling a winning culture. That Dani Ceballos rescued the Gunners late on, then, sweeping an exquisite finish past Dean Henderson at the near post, could be hugely significant.</p> <div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Arsenal Vs Sheffield United: Player ratings" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-sheffield-united-ratings/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-vs-sheffield-united-5-things-learned-dani-ceballos-rescues-gunners/3/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/06/28/arsenal-sheffield-united-ratings/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Arsenal Vs Sheffield United: Player ratings </a> </div> </div> <p>Arsenal are once again on the hunt for a trophy. And, for now, it is one that they are still in.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">