Danny Murphy outlines the key to ending Arsenal’s set-piece success this season

There has been a growing narrative about Arsenal’s playing style this season, but it feels like there is a lot more to their game than just set-pieces.

So far, Arsenal have netted 11 goals from dead-ball situations this campaign, with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of many of them.

Opposing managers are well aware of Gabriel’s presence during corners and free-kicks, which ties into Murphy’s view on how to blunt Arsenal’s edge in those areas.

The commentator remarked on talkSPORT that the only way to curb their strength from dead-ball situations is if Gabriel is missing from the line-up.

“It might ease off a little bit if Gabriel gets an injury, but other than that, I can’t really see it [stopping].”

Given how often he has been called one of the Premier League’s most influential players this season, it is hard to overlook his impact on Arteta’s side.

Murphy responds to Arsenal set-piece criticism

Arsenal are on top, and naturally, there are those who want to see them slip up. The criticism surrounding their reliance on set-pieces is just the latest example of that.

Murphy, however, does not think there is anything wrong with how the Gunners use set-pieces. In fact, he believes it is simply playing to their strengths.

“I’ve got no problem with them doing it. You’ve got to play to your strengths, and if you find something that works.

“Their numbers are so far ahead of everyone else. Why wouldn’t you stick to it? Make no apologies for it,” he stated.

He is right in a way – Arsenal should not feel the need to apologise for their effectiveness. If anything, the frustration should be aimed at teams who cannot seem to find a way to stop them.

Murphy also pointed out that if Gabriel were ever sidelined, Arsenal might lose some of their edge from set-plays – a statement that only highlights how important the Brazilian has become for Arteta’s side.