Given warns Arsenal set piece decline is a 'concern' despite Forest win

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Arsenal edged past Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground on Sunday, but former goalkeeper Shay Given believes there is a genuine problem lurking beneath the result. Speaking on Match of the Day, Given said the Gunners 'got a bit of luck' to see off a stubborn Forest side and flagged a dramatic drop off in set piece goals as a cause for concern.

The breakthrough at the City Ground did not arrive until the 80th minute, when substitute Noni Madueke saw his effort deflect off Jair Cunha and beyond Matz Sels. It was a scrappy winner in an otherwise forgettable contest, with Arsenal dominating possession but struggling to carve out clear chances against a well organised Forest defence.

Arsenal have now scored 11 goals in their opening seven Premier League games this season, the same tally as Ipswich Town. Given pointed out that just over 40 per cent of Arsenal's goals last season came from set pieces, yet they are still to find the net from a dead ball situation in the current campaign.

Given's warning

'I think they had one today from Gabriel, from a header, but that is a concern because there were games last year that were tight, a bit like today and they couldn't find a way through,' Given said. 'They got a bit of luck today with the deflection off Cunha, but again, set plays are so important. The set play coach will have to get his finger out.'

Given also offered an explanation for the decline, suggesting referees have clamped down on the kind of physical play at set pieces that Arsenal previously used to their advantage. 'I think the referees are stamping down on blocks and pulls and stuff, whereas Arsenal were the experts on that last season, so they're getting away with less and that's perhaps why they're scoring less goals,' he added.

Arteta's view

Despite the concerns raised by Given, the win moved Arsenal back into second place in the table, their sixth victory in seven league games. No side in the division has conceded fewer than Arsenal's five goals so far this season.

Mikel Arteta acknowledged the difficulty of breaking Forest down after the match. 'We knew it would be the case and last time we didn't manage to win the game but we did today. We had to earn it until the last second,' he told the BBC. 'They are a well coached team and hard to break down. We had to take risks, they are a dangerous team. We had to manage the emotional part really well. We stayed focused, and the finishers made a huge impact.'

Arteta also explained his half time decision to bring on Madueke for Eberechi Eze, pointing to how Forest's defensive shape was nullifying his attacking options. 'The way they were defending, the two units outside, the two midfielders were creating without having a real threat in behind of just forcing Munoz to a different type of game,' he said. 'That's what we have, different players with different qualities and adapt to what the game is delivering.'

Arsenal's defensive record remains the foundation of their title challenge, but if Given's assessment holds true, finding a solution to the set piece drought could prove decisive in close contests as the season progresses.