Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has firmly rejected suggestions that Arsenal have become a one-dimensional 'Set-Piece FC', offering a robust defence of Mikel Arteta's side ahead of their crucial Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
Praise for a Complete Arsenal Side
The new Blues boss, preparing for just his second match in charge at Stamford Bridge, was asked about the nickname given to the Gunners due to their proficiency from dead-ball situations. Arsenal lead the Premier League with 12 set-piece goals this season, contributing to their impressive total of 40 goals in 21 league games.
However, Rosenior was quick to dismiss the label as simplistic and unfair. "Arsenal are good at everything. They're good at everything," he emphasised during his pre-match press conference. "They have a good team. It's not about taking the game back in time."
Analysing the Arteta Blueprint
Rosenior, who began his Chelsea tenure with a 5-1 FA Cup win at Charlton Athletic, provided a detailed breakdown of Arsenal's strengths. He highlighted their tactical coherence and organisation in all phases of play.
"I think they're a team who are very good without the ball," he said. "I think they have a really, really clear idea in the way they want to play with the ball. On top of that, they're very, very well organised with good deliveries on set-pieces. That's what you want to be if you want to be successful. That's the idea for every coach."
His comments come with Arsenal enjoying a stellar campaign, sitting six points clear at the Premier League summit and three points ahead in their Champions League group.
Respect and Shared Ambition
The Chelsea manager also drew a parallel between his own nascent top-flight career and Arteta's journey, hoping for similar patience from the Stamford Bridge hierarchy. Arteta was given a major opportunity by Arsenal in 2019 despite limited prior managerial experience.
"Everyone starts somewhere," Rosenior noted. "I think Mikel is someone who's done an incredible job. He's had time to build the way he wants his team to look... He's done a very, very good job there."
Looking ahead to the Wednesday night fixture, Rosenior remained coy on team news, refusing to confirm the availability of Reece James, Cole Palmer, and Malo Gusto after they were rested at the weekend. Moises Caicedo is suspended for the match.
"I'll make a decision on Cole, Reece and Malo tomorrow," he stated. "I'm giving them some extra time... I haven't made a decision on the team."
Concluding with a message of mutual respect, Rosenior added: "I respect them. I think they'll respect us, we're a good team as well. But no, people can talk. I don't know who's calling them Set-Piece FC. I'm definitely not."
