Coventry City are copying Arsenal - Frank Lampard will disagree with Arne Slot claim | OneFootball

Arne Slot has criticised the increased reliance on set-pieces in the modern game, but, like Arsenal, it's helped Coventry to the top of the table.

The rise in the number of set-piece goals has become a major talking point in the football world this week.

Whilst it’s a complaint in general, a lot of the issues appear aimed at Arsenal, with Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler criticising the time that they waste on a set-play when they’re in the lead.

Elsewhere, Liverpool boss Arne Slot claimed Premier League games are no longer a ‘joy to watch’, just 24 hours after the Gunners had beaten Chelsea 2-1, with all three goals coming from set-pieces, and Man Utd chief Michael Carrick stated the wrestling in the box had gone ‘too far’.

Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces has also prompted criticism from pundits, with Chris Sutton stating they could be the ‘ugliest’ winners of the title if they do get over the line this season.

Coventry City are the Arsenal of the Championship with their set-piece dominance

Each football fan will have their own view on the matter, but there’s no denying that set-plays have become more important than ever in the modern game.

We now regularly see set-piece coaches standing in the technical area as they watch players follow the methods that they have worked on in training. Whether it’s crowding out the keeper, or a routine to free up an individual to get an attempt at goal, there is so much work that goes into making a team effective from a dead ball.

Ultimately, it’s all about results, and Arsenal’s set-play dominance has been a key factor in taking Mike Arteta’s side to the top of the league.

And, when you look at the Championship, the same can be said for Coventry.

Even though the Sky Blues are capable of playing some stylish football, they are also leading the way when it comes to goals from set-pieces.

The 21 they have scored is more than any other club, with Millwall second on 19.

That figure may be surprising to some, but it shows that Frank Lampard and his coaching staff have quickly recognised how important it is to get things right in both boxes.

It may sound obvious, but, again, a lot of work and preparation will have gone into dealing with set-plays and becoming as dangerous as possible going forward.

Obviously, having a player like Bobby Thomas helps, as he is superb at winning the ball and making first contact, but it’s not just a case of launching the ball in and hoping he can get on the end of it.

Every player will have a specific task, and whether it’s from a corner, deep free-kick or a Milan van Ewijk long throw, each Coventry individual is well-drilled and aware of the role they have to play.

Coventry City must maintain their set-piece threat if they reach the Premier League

With that in mind, it’s fair to presume that Lampard will disagree with Slot’s assessment, and he would no doubt dispute that this is a negative on the modern game.

During his playing days, Lampard worked under so many great managers, and his time with José Mourinho will have taught him the importance of winning by any means necessary.

So, it’s no shock that he has taken that into management, and he is right to try and maximise every possible angle that can make Coventry successful.

Despite the criticism, Arsenal and Coventry aren’t doing anything wrong, and it’s something that every team would replicate if they knew it would bring success.

In today’s game, the fine margins can make all the difference, and if Coventry weren’t the best in the league at scoring from set-pieces, there’s every chance they would be in the play-off places, instead of sitting at the top.

In that context, any criticism seems unfair, and, as outlined above, Lampard and all Sky Blues fans will not care one bit if it helps them reach the Premier League.

Moving forward, the importance of set-pieces is unlikely to go away any time soon, so you can be sure that it’s something Coventry will look to maintain if they reach the top flight as they look to establish themselves at that level.

Of course, that’s a long way away right now, but Coventry look a well-rounded team under Lampard, and their set-piece threat is a key weapon that they will keep trying to benefit from.