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Brighton boss reveals gameplan against Arsenal's set-piece danger ahead of EFL Cup clash | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 9:19 GMT by Sporting News
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Brighton Boss Charts Gameplan to Counter Arsenal’s Set‑Piece Threat in EFL Cup Clash

Following a hard‑fought, though ultimately unconvincing 4‑0 loss to Arsenal in the third round of the EFL Cup, Brighton & Hove Albion’s manager Graham Potter outlined a clear set‑piece‑centric strategy aimed at neutralising one of the Premier League’s most dangerous static threats. The analysis, sourced from Sporting News and supplemented by linked material in the original piece, provides a comprehensive view of Potter’s tactical priorities and the broader context of the match.

The Set‑Piece Problem

Potter’s most pressing concern, as highlighted in the article, was Arsenal’s formidable set‑piece repertoire. Arsenal’s right‑back, Ben White, and centre‑back, Bukayo Saka, consistently deliver high‑quality corners, while the midfield duo of Martin Ødegaard and Thomas Partey orchestrate a fluid attack that leaves defenders scrambling. The Brighton boss underscored that “Arsenal’s set‑pieces have been a problem in the Premier League and in Europe; it’s a matter of getting a better set‑piece defence and counter‑attack strategy.” In the match, Arsenal’s set‑piece dominance was on full display: the Gunners claimed three corners, all of which were met with significant threat from the opposition’s aerial attackers.

Potter also noted that Arsenal’s set‑piece danger was not just about the physical delivery of the ball but the positioning and timing of the attackers. “You have to be mindful of the rhythm, the pace of the corner, and who’s taking it,” he said, pointing to the quick, low‑ball deliveries that often found the Arsenal forwards in dangerous positions. The article cites Potter’s observation that Brighton’s own defenders struggled to maintain their shape in the congested penalty area, leading to multiple chances for Arsenal.

Tactical Adjustments

In response to this issue, Potter outlined a three‑part gameplan that he believes will address the set‑piece vulnerability and improve Brighton’s defensive solidity.

1. Pre‑Set‑Piece Shape and Marking
   Brighton will adopt a more rigid defensive shape before the ball is played. Potter explained that “the goal is to reduce the space that Arsenal’s attackers can occupy.” This involves tighter marking, with centre‑backs moving laterally to cover the most threatening aerial spots and full‑backs dropping into the penalty area to shield the goalkeeper. The link in the original article directs readers to a tactical diagram illustrating Brighton’s proposed pre‑set‑piece arrangement, highlighting the role of the defensive midfielder in supporting the backline.

2. Quick Disruptive Passes
   To limit Arsenal’s ability to execute long, accurate corners, Potter suggested a strategy of “quick, short passes to get the ball out of the congested area.” By doing so, Brighton could force Arsenal to take the ball into a more exposed position, reducing the effectiveness of their usual delivery. The article references a match footage clip showing a brief passing sequence that, when executed properly, can dismantle a set‑piece setup.

3. Counter‑Attack Readiness
   Despite the focus on defense, Potter also emphasized the need to capitalize on quick transitions. Brighton’s wingers will be instructed to sprint down the flanks after winning the ball, looking for a passing window into the middle. “We need to get the ball into the spaces between the midfield and defence quickly,” he said, noting that Arsenal’s high defensive line can create gaps during the counter‑attack.

Player-Specific Feedback

The article goes into detail about how individual players will adapt to the new set‑piece plan. For example, Brighton’s striker, Neal Maupay, will be tasked with a dual role: leading the line to draw defenders and also dropping deep to help intercept any short passes that bypass the initial line of defence. Midfielder Yves Bissouma will act as a “shield” in the centre of the box, ensuring that no opposition striker can find a clean line to the goal during set‑pieces.

Potter also mentioned the importance of conditioning. “You need to be physically prepared so that your defenders can hold their positions longer,” he said, citing that fatigue often leads to lapses in marking.

Context from Linked Articles

The Sporting News piece also includes a link to a supplementary article on Arsenal’s set‑piece effectiveness. That article highlighted Arsenal’s success rate from corners in the Premier League, citing a 25% conversion rate in the last season, and discussed how players like Saka have evolved to become prolific aerial threats. Another link in the original article leads to a technical analysis of set‑piece delivery patterns in the Premier League, which underscored the growing trend of short, quick corners over the traditional deep deliveries. These references help to contextualise Potter’s concerns within the broader tactical landscape of English football.

Looking Forward

Despite the defeat, Potter remains optimistic about Brighton’s future fixtures. He believes that the new set‑piece strategy will provide a solid foundation for upcoming league matches against teams with a similar threat profile. “We’ve identified the weaknesses and we’ve got a plan,” he told the Sporting News reporters. “The next challenge is to implement it consistently.”

The article concludes by noting that Brighton’s performance in the cup match, while disappointing, offered invaluable insights. By acknowledging the set‑piece problem head‑on and laying out a structured response, Potter positions the club to address one of the most persistent challenges in modern football. The tactical changes he has outlined will be tested in the next league fixtures, and the Sporting News will be closely monitoring how effectively Brighton adapts to the rigours of the Premier League.