CHELSEA boss Xabi Alonso might have found the blueprint for cancelling out Arsenal’s corner threat.
Mikel Arteta’s set-piece prowess was a feature of their march to the title last term.
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This season the Gunners have to deal with new laws, designed to cut out illegal blocking.
And Chelsea chief Alonso showcased his own cunning plan at the Emirates.
At both of Arsenal’s first two corners, Chelsea put FOUR blue shirts up the pitch.
Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers stayed on the half-way line, with Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto just 15 yards deeper inside their own half but close to the centre circle.
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The danger of being outnumbered on the counter if Chelsea cleared the ball forced Arteta to call two of his set-piece attackers back to ensure the numbers were equal.
Gary Neville was stunned on commentary as the trick produced a bizarre scene, in which the box was only sparsely populated by players of either team.
The Manchester United legend said: “Well there’s mayhem here, because there’s four Chelsea players being left up the pitch.
“Arsenal are reorganising quite quickly but its like 5v5 in the box, its mad. Wow that’s incredible.”
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Sunday 6 September
Arsenal
2 – 1
Live 53′
Chelsea
Saturday 12 September
Bournemouth
15:00
EPL
Brentford
Villa
15:00
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Forest
Chelsea
15:00
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Hull
Palace
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Ipswich
Liverpool
15:00
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Fulham
Sunday 6 September
Everton
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Man Utd
Saturday 5 September
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Man City
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It seemed an evolution by the former Real Madrid boss of an idea Liam Rosenior had to neutralise one of Arsenal’s biggest strengths.
He placed three of his Chelsea stars on the halfway line as Arsenal set up for a corner during their Carabao Cup clash in February, with Neville again watching on in awe.
And it is likely other top flight managers, certainly those who back their team’s defensive ability, will look to repeat the tactic over the coming weeks and months.