One of the benefits of the international break is that it allows us to pause and take stock and perhaps refresh some neglected areas of the site.
We’ve been able to update our set-piece takers based on the evidence of the season so far and, of course, last season’s records – you can now view the updated table – listing the penalty, direct free-kick and corner and indirect free-kick takers for every side – right here.
Mikel Arteta’s shift to Arsene Wenger’s squad has undoubtedly had the biggest impact on the current set-piece landscape. Having relieved Leighton Baines of free-kick and spot-kick duties for Everton at Blackburn in Gameweek three, his deadline day transfer to the Emirates has put Baines back in control, proving a major boost to the left-back’s appeal for the remainder of the season. We’re yet to see what kind of impression Arteta can make at Arsenal but, there’s little doubt he arrives with the reputation of one of the league’s primary set-piece experts and Wenger could well look to relieve Robin Van Persie of some of his responsibilities in this area.
Revisting that Blackburn vs Everton clash in the previous Gameweek – it’s worth noting that Junior Hoilett took on spot-kick duties with both David Dunn and Morten Gamst-Pedersen on the pitch. Jason Roberts was available, but Hoilett got the nod over him. Roberts was then off the pitch when Mauro Formica hit the post with his effort. This leaves the Blackburn Rovers spot-kick situation in flux, but we’ve given Hoilett promotion above Roberts in the pecking order, despite Saturday’s miss. New arrival Yakubu could yet have a say in this however.
Indeed, we’re still waiting on the impact of a host of new signings on the set-piece set-up. We imagine that both Samir Nasri and Juan Mata will both have a say for City and Chelsea respectively. Similarly, we’re yet to see how Steven Gerrard’s return, with the Spurs game in a fortnight the target, will influence the situation at Liverpool. Right now Charlie Adam is hogging set-plays but, we imagine that could change on Gerrard’s return to the fold.
Having established a new starting point for the season, we will work to keep this table updated and refreshed on a regular basis as the Gameweeks roll by.
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