Arsenal's Ingenious Throw-In Tactic Evolves into a Signature Move

Arsenal’s Ingenious Throw-In Tactic Evolves into a Signature Move

Jan 19, 2024

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In a recent FA Cup clash with Liverpool, Arsenal showcased a shrewd throw-in pattern seldom seen in other teams. What started as a clever maneuver in that match has since become a hallmark move for the club, repeated not once, but multiple times.

The primary concept involves setting a player in motion along the goal line, originating near the corner flag and progressing towards the penalty area. As the runner deftly slips behind the deepest defender, a teammate executes a precise lobbed throw-in over the defender’s head, aiming to connect with the runner in stride near the juncture of the goal line and the 18-yard box.

Arsenal has crafted a distinctive and successful throw-in pattern that is now firmly established as a signature move. This strategic play involves putting a runner in motion along the goal line, creating an opening for a lobbed throw-in to find the runner in stride near the 18-yard box. The tactic has proven effective and is a pivotal element of Arsenal’s strategy, with the team directing 17% of their throw-ins towards the cutback zone near the opponent’s penalty area.

By the Numbers

Arsenal strategically targets the cutback zone in 17% of their throw-ins near the opponent’s penalty area, surpassing the efforts of any other team in the Premier League, La Liga, or the Championship. Since the 2018-19 season, Premier League teams employing this cutback zone strategy from throw-ins around the box have scored non-penalty goals 67% more frequently than those opting for alternative locations.

Arsenal has seamlessly integrated this unique throw-in pattern into their overall tactical strategy. The tactic consistently proves highly effective in creating scoring opportunities. Notably, other teams recognized for tactical innovation and data-driven approaches, including Brighton, Brentford, and Liverpool, have also incorporated similar throw-in tactics.

Arsenal’s inventive throw-in pattern has afforded them a strategic advantage, significantly increasing their likelihood of scoring opportunities and highlighting the team’s tactical prowess.