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Arsenal’s set piece goals return at the perfect time

 Having failed to score a single set piece all season, Ezri Konsa netted the opener with the ball falling to him during a goal mouth scramble just seven minutes in and making the game comfortable. Gabriel sealed the game 68 minutes in, heading in from close range after an extended phase following a corner.

 Those two have formed a strong defensive partnership together and have hardly missed a beat with William Saliba on the sidelines, which is a huge testament to how Konsa has settled in at the club.

 In the early weeks of the season, Arsenal have gotten by without needing the corner and free kick goals that proved so pivotal on the way to winning the league, but with Bukayo Saka now out injured until mid-December, having the set piece threat may have come back just at the right time.

 Losing the team’s most creative winger is a huge blow, especially Christos Tzolis struggling with his own injury issues on the other side, so the Gunners may be reliant on set pieces again to get them through this period.

 Noni Madueke and Eberechi finished the game on the flanks during the 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich, both putting in solid performances including a goal from Eze. While both have been inconsistent in an Arsenal shirt, they both can offer unpredictability, directness and a spark that can change games beyond Arteta’s tactics.

 In the absence of Saka, that combination alongside set pieces will be important to keep the goals flowing. It may also mean more playing time for Max Dowman, who’s featured for just 21 minutes in the league so far. Arsenal have been careful with his minutes so far, and for good reason, but his dribbling and creativity will be a good option from the bench over the coming games.

 The Gunners travel to play 4th place Liverpool at 4:30pm on Sunday with a chance to overcome a winless record at Anfield since 2012.

 Liverpool are coming off an impressive 2-0 win over Brighton last weekend and it’s one of the grounds that Arsenal have struggled at most under Arteta, so it’ll be a tough test, and one that could just need a set piece to get over the line.  

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