Brand new Arsenal coach suggests new set-piece tactics in message shared to social media
Mikel Arteta has added throw-in specialist Thomas Gronnemark to his backroom staff at Arsenal as he looks to strengthen their dominance in set-pieces.
All four goals in Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Sunday came from set-pieces, in a staggering showing of just how effective they can be.
Three of those goals came from corners, with Gabriel Martinelli‘s near-post flick-ons proving unstoppable for Pompey, and the other goal came directly from a quickly taken free-kick.
Gabriel has now returned from injury for Arsenal, with the big Brazilian representing a constant danger from set-piece situations.
He marked his return by beating Emi Martinez to Bukayo Saka‘s corner and turning in as Arsenal beat Aston Villa 4-1 in December.
‘It’s out’ – Thomas Gronnemark shares Arsenal message
Arsenal seem to excel at every type of set-piece. They are, by far, the Premier League‘s best corner takers, scoring far more than any other team.
Declan Rice and Saka are likely the best pair of set-piece takers in Europe, and the likes of Gabriel, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Viktor Gyokeres are not bad targets to aim for.
In that sense, they are superb at free-kicks, as well. Martin Odegaard sometimes steps in to take these, and his delivery is usually just as sweet.
But throw-ins have escaped Arsenal. Rice can be seen attempting to launch them into the box, but often to little effect.
League specialists Brentford have the absurdly good delivery of Michael Kayode, but they also appear to have a far better set-up than the Gunners.
Gronnemark is certainly someone who can help Arsenal in that department, and the Dane has now confirmed that he has joined.
In a post to X on Tuesday, the coach wrote: “It’s out. Yes, I coach Arsenal. Both in the “Long, Fast, and Clever throw-in. No more comments at the moment.”
Who is Gronnemark?
Gronnemark is a throw-in specialist who has worked with several teams over the years, and he actually held the Guinness World Record for the longest one himself.
The Dane worked with Jurgen Klopp‘s Liverpool between 2018 and 2023, in which their possession stats from throw-ins improved from 18th to first in the Premier League.
The coach also worked in a consultancy role for Brentford, who now claim the title for the league’s best throw-in takers.
Gronnemark’s arrival is undoubtedly a part of Arteta’s unrelenting drive for marginal gains, as he looks to guide his team to the Premier League title.