Champions League final: Tactics Arsenal could use to beat Paris St-Germain
It would be remiss to write about Arsenal beating their direct rivals without mentioning their most effective tool this season.
PSG have conceded only 29 goals in the league this season, but six of them came from set pieces without penalties. The size of their squad makes this an obvious area of weakness.
Thomas Frank’s Spurs lost to PSG in the Champions League earlier this season but managed to score three goals, including one from a corner. They also lost on penalties in the UEFA Super Cup in August, scoring both goals in a 2-2 draw with diagonal free kicks.
Under Frank, Spurs have adopted various Arteta approaches, including making set plays one of the main methods of breaking down teams.
On all three set pieces, Spurs targeted the back post before directing the ball towards goal; for a teammate or directly into the goal.
PSG look uncomfortable dealing with crosses going over their heads as they move backwards, and the header the other way goes in the opposite direction they are moving, giving an advantage to the attacking side who know where the ball is going.
Arsenal are in a much better position in this regard; so if they can manage to get up the pitch in the first place, forcing corner kicks or winning free kicks will give them a good perspective on goal.
While there is little that can be done against potential moments of brilliance, there are at least signs of hope that Arsenal can inflict damage on the defending champions.
