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Manchester United didn't earn a single corner against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night while giving the hosts 13 attempts. That was too big a risk. The apprentices of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover have already scored 22 goals since the start of the last Premier League season - with the most recent two coming against United's Andre Onana.
It was supposed to be a tight encounter between two of England's giants and once again the Gunners edged it thanks to their corner kicks. Traditional corner kick takers Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice split their set-pieces evenly - as they always do - with one taking from the right and the other from the left.
Both England internationals have seven assists from corners (since the start of last season) after Wednesday's game. For the first goal, Rice curled the ball into the near post and found the head of Jurrien Timber. The Dutch defender made some space for himself before getting a deft flick on the ball to beat goalkeeper Onana. The Cameroonian goalkeeper was again helpless for the second goal. It was Saka with the assist this time as his over hit ball found Thomas Partey at the back post, who headed back across goal.
His effort deflected off William Saliba's hip to double the Gunners' lead - making it the first time that United conceded two goals from corners for 10 years in the Premier League. In both goals, blocks played a major role. Immediately after the goals, the camera panned to the home bench.
Not only was head coach Mikel Arteta the focus, but also Nicolas Jover, the Gunners' set-piece coach. The Frenchman is doing his job perfectly - Arsenal under his guidance have already scored 22 goals from corners since the start of last season, the highest number across any Premier League club. What is the recipe for defending, anyway? Perhaps just not offering Arsenal any corners. Certainly not 13.
