It is the question few have found an answer to: how do you stop Arsenal scoring from corner kicks?
The Gunners have scored 16 goals from corners this season – already the joint most in a Premier League season – as they continue to lead the charge for the title.
But maybe a solution has been found by Kidderminster Harriers in National League North, the sixth tier of English football.
Chelsea raised a few eyebrows when they left three up front when defending Arsenal‘s corners in the Carabao Cup semi-final. Kidderminster have raised the stakes further.
In the 89th minute against an aerially dominant Alfreton this month, Kidderminster opted to leave five players forward when defending a corner – and it paid off in style as they broke clear to score a crucial winner.
Manager Adam Murray used the high-risk approach again in Tuesday’s 4-0 win against Peterborough Sports, and has hinted that they might take it even further.
He told BBC Hereford and Worcester: “A big part of the reason is why not do it?
“When you look at defensive set-plays – even at the very top level – clubs are trying to create that chaos in there.
“When you are looking at certain opponents and set-plays are their main strength – how can we get the players out of there?
“Can we take the opponents’ attacking set-play and turn it into an attacking set-play for us? You have to take a little bit of a risk.
“Sometimes you have to think outside the box. I’ve thought about it for a long time. You can get caught in that bracket that you do things because its always been done.
“It is going to be even more interesting when we leave seven up.”
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given suggested earlier this season that keeping players up while defending corners could be an effective way to counteract Arsenal‘s threat.
He said on BBC Match of the Day: “If they leave three up, Arsenal have to leave at least three, maybe four players back.
“That leaves a lot more space for the defenders and the goalkeeper.
“Yes, it leaves more space for the forwards as well, but all those numbers caused so much confusion.”
Monaco and Crystal Palace have also left players up against Arsenal – but leaving five players in attack is taking it to the next level.
Could it catch on?