Declan Rice opens up on Arsenal's secret to set-pieces

Arsenal brushed aside Manchester United last night 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium. This win helped them close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to seven points. Jurrien Timber and William Saliba were the goalscorers for the Gunners as they secured their fourth consecutive match. Arsenal’s set-pieces strategy is falling in place for them perfectly even as they have scored 22 goals, the most for any team in the Premier League, since the start of last season from dead-ball situations.

Declan Rice, who took the corner for Timber’s opening goal, opened up on the secret of set-pieces strategy that worked wonders for Arsenal this season. He stressed the importance of weight you need to put on the ball on corner kicks and also stated that it is important to keep winning in a competitive tournament like the Premier League.

“When you go up for a corner it's a chance to score a goal, so to score both of them from corners, [set-piece coach] Nico [Jover] will be buzzing and I'm so happy. Seeing clips, I know the weight I need to put on the ball and it's just about repetition. I put a few good balls in and could've had a couple of assists so it was nice to get one,” Rice said as quoted by Daily Mail.

Arsenal level with Chelsea as Liverpool drop crucial points

The fight for the top position has already become intense as most of the teams have now played 14 matches each. Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Manchester United has put them on par with Chelsea in terms of points. Chelsea defeated Southampton 5-1 in their previous outing as both teams now have 28 points.

Chelsea are at second place while Arsenal are at third. However, the recovery from the Gunners after a slow start has been admirable. This win over Manchester United is massive for them as Liverpool has dropped points against Newcastle United after a 3-3 draw. The table toppers are now at 35 points and the gap has reduced significantly now.

Arsenal will next face Fulham on December 8 at 7:30 PM IST while Liverpool are scheduled to lock horns against Everton a day earlier.