We're officially a team full of lightweights...

[Niall_Quinn]

I have no idea what this article is supposed to show.

And again, post links!

I think it shows the first day of the season seriously fucked with their van Gaal the genius campaign.

[Letters]

And again, post links!

Although those links should come with a warning if they're to the Daily Mail in case people accidentally go to the Daily Mail website.

[Özim]

I was struggling to find some stats on that but I don't think conceding goals from set pieces was a big issue last year.

It might not have been but if you have smaller players generally it will mean you'll find it tough against taller teams in the air at set pieces.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

We are closer to genius than Chelsea are.

[Niall_Quinn]

Doesn't change the fact we're a smallish team by today's standards and that isn't going to help us defending set pieces.

The facts:

Set-pieces and lofted balls into the box used to be a sure-fire way of scoring against Arsenal. Not any more. With a settled back four of Bacary Sagna, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Kieran Gibbs, the Gunners have the third best defensive record in the league. Only Southampton and Tottenham have shipped fewer goals.

Against the Saints, Arsenal were successful with all 34 of their attempted clearances. Of that total, 24 came with the head. They made 17 interceptions, 4 blocks and won 28 of their 32 aerial duels. Mertesacker was immense, making 7 clearances – bettered only by his central defensive partner, Koscielny.

Unsurprisingly, the German was unbeatable in the air. Five times he went up against an opponent, five times he came out on top.

The Daily Fail:

SIGN FOR THE SEASON
Arsenal’s chronic set piece problems look likely to continue. New full-back Mathieu Debuchy was guilty of completely losing scorer Brede Hangeland for the opening goal, with the Palace defender ending up five yards off his marker. It remains an area of concern for Arsene Wenger particularly when Per Mertesacker is unavailable.

Daily Fail - #stealingaliving

[Niall_Quinn]

Although those links should come with a warning if they're to the Daily Mail in case people accidentally go to the Daily Mail website.

Use a VPN and anti-AIDS software

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Who has the biggest penis?

[WMUG]

Use a VPN and anti-AIDS software

Adblock would be more effective, Shirley?

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Doesn't change the fact we're a smallish team by today's standards and that isn't going to help us defending set pieces.

I hear we actually have the best record defending set pieces based on last season. Not a surprise give our position in the league, leading it for so long and not least the CB partnership including the tallest 1st team player in the league.

We could do with a little more 'presence' in midfield.