Arteta Firmly Rejects 'Blocking' Allegations Over Arsenal's Corner Routines
Mikel Arteta has strongly dismissed suggestions that Arsenal employ illegal blocking tactics during their corner routines, attributing the discussion to his team's exceptional efficiency from set pieces this season. The Gunners have equaled a Premier League record by scoring 16 goals from corners, yet their methods have drawn criticism from rival managers.
Controversy Surrounding Set-Piece Approaches
Brighton's head coach Fabian Hürzeler recently complained about "no clear rules" regarding blocking after his team's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. The controversy intensified when Bayer Leverkusen scored against Arsenal in the Champions League through a move where a German player appeared to obstruct Eberechi Eze before Robert Andrich found the net. Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand questioned whether "offensive blocks" should be permitted but acknowledged that "everyone does it."
Arteta responded defiantly: "We weren't the first and it's not about blocking. I'm not going to describe what we do, but it's not blocking. What they did in the goal we conceded and the foul we get [given against us] at the end of the game, we can see that and tell me the difference."
Defensive Vulnerabilities and Everton Challenge
Despite their attacking prowess from corners, Arsenal have shown defensive fragility, conceding 10 of their 33 goals across all competitions from set pieces. Arteta, who played under David Moyes, expressed caution about facing Everton: "They've always been really good at defending and attacking the box. That's one of the biggest qualities of his teams and that will be very difficult."
A victory over Everton would increase pressure on second-placed Manchester City before their late game at West Ham. Arteta believes his players are growing more comfortable with leading the title race: "We certainly try to learn from the past. We know what is at stake and the moment we go another week, another week, another week, you're going to be closer and closer."
Slot Laments Isak's 'Massive Impact' on Liverpool's Season
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed that Alexander Isak's three-month absence with a fractured leg has significantly damaged their campaign. The striker, injured while scoring against Tottenham in December, isn't expected back until early April at the earliest.
Slot emphasized Isak's importance: "Do you think it would have had an impact if we had one of the best goal scorers in this league in the last three, four or five years available throughout the whole season? This would have had a massive impact on our performances."
Liverpool, currently sixth with the lowest shot conversion rate among the top six, drew four consecutive league matches after Isak's injury, scoring only three times. Slot admitted: "Look at how many goals we've scored this season – that's ridiculously low for the team. Of course it has an impact that one of the forwards we brought in for scoring goals was injured."
Carrick Backs Maguire for England Recall
Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick believes Harry Maguire has positioned himself for an England recall under Thomas Tuchel. Maguire, who last played for England in September 2024, has impressed since returning from a thigh injury.
Carrick stated: "He has definitely put himself back in the frame, if he was ever out of it. Harry has been playing well. He has just shown his experience, composure in certain situations. He knows what it feels like, he knows what it takes and he has done ever so well."
Rosenior Creates Goalkeeper Competition at Chelsea
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has denied creating uncertainty by rotating goalkeepers Filip Jörgensen and Robert Sánchez. Jörgensen's costly error in the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain intensified scrutiny, but Rosenior defended his approach.
"I want competition in every area of the pitch," Rosenior explained. "The only difference with a goalkeeper, you're one mistake away from this situation. Both goalkeepers in different ways are showing me really, really good things."
Rosenior challenged his keepers to emulate Chelsea legends Petr Cech and Thibaut Courtois: "Those shirts are earned on form, those shirts are earned on performance."
Howe Defends Gordon After Shearer Criticism
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has defended Anthony Gordon after criticism from Alan Shearer and Roy Keane over his absence from the starting lineup against Barcelona due to illness. Shearer had questioned why Gordon was well enough for the bench but not to start.
Howe clarified: "He was absolutely willing to play in the game against Barcelona. It was my decision not to start him based on the fact that he'd been ill that morning and hadn't attended the training session."
Gordon, who has scored 10 European goals this season, came on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw. Howe praised his mentality: "Ant, I'd probably categorise him as a winner. He wants to win everything, he's a real competitor."
