Antonio Conte hails Arsenal’s set-piece dominance — 29% of their goals from dead balls. Punters may find value in Arsenal-to-score-from-a-set-piece markets, corners totals or backing Arsenal to win while also considering bets on set-piece-related markets in Champions League fixtures involving the Gunners.
Conte: Arsenal "Setting an Example" with Set-Piece Mastery
Arsenal's Champions League form and set-piece numbers
Arsenal have won all seven of their Champions League group games this season and can seal top spot with at least a draw at home to Kairat Almaty. Antonio Conte says the Gunners are “setting an example” after 29% of their goals across the Premier League and Champions League have come from set-pieces, a stat opponents are struggling to counter.
Why set-pieces are shaping modern tactics
Conte argues football is evolving rapidly and set-piece proficiency is now a decisive advantage. “Football is changing. In the Premier League, every free kick is a scoring opportunity,” he said, stressing the need for teams to adapt with players who can execute long throws, corners and dead-ball routines effectively.
Pressing, possession and stolen-ball goals
Conte highlighted another trend: goals from high pressing and turnovers. “Goals scored from stolen balls while pressing high have increased,” he commented, noting teams must combine creative players with tactical discipline to break down compact defensive units.
Transfer implications: recruiting for the new game
The Napoli boss urged clubs to target players who fit these tactical shifts — goalkeepers comfortable with the ball at their feet, set-piece specialists, and athletes who can press and win the ball high. He warned clubs risk falling behind unless they update recruitment and training to capture modern advantages.
Conte on Chelsea's project and the market for youth
Conte praised Chelsea’s strategy of investing in young talent and believes they are “building something for the future.” He acknowledged the challenges of blending expensive youngsters with experienced pros but said the club’s transfer ambitions reflect a long-term vision.
Response to Diego Costa's criticism
Asked about Diego Costa labelling him “very bitter,” Conte dismissed the remarks and declined to dwell on newspaper commentary. He pointed to their shared success at Chelsea — winning the league together — and said he doesn’t waste energy on off-field noise.
What this means for bettors and opponents
Arsenal’s clear set-piece threat forces opponents to prepare specifically for dead-ball situations and long throws. For punters, set-piece and corners markets may offer value in Arsenal fixtures, alongside standard match markets given the Gunners’ dominant group form.
Prediction Arsenal vs Kairat 2025/2026 – Betting Tips for the Champions League on 28/01/2026
Antonio Conte believes Arsenal are 'setting an example' in the Champions League with their dominance at set-pieces.
Metro
