Sun Sep 15 13:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Arsenal Expose Spurs’ Set-Piece Weakness in North London Derby

**London, England** – Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on Monday, highlighting a persistent weakness for Ange Postecoglou’s side: defending set-pieces. Gabriel Magalhaes headed home the winning goal from a corner kick, marking the 24th set-piece goal Arsenal has scored in the Premier League since last season, the most in the division.

Spurs, on the other hand, have conceded a staggering 18 set-piece goals in the same timeframe, including 13 from corners since the start of the year. This alarming trend raises questions about Postecoglou’s ability to address the issue, as the latest defeat exemplifies a lack of resilience and attention to detail.

Despite Postecoglou’s claims that Spurs generally handle set-pieces well, the defensive frailties are undeniable. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recognized this weakness and exploited it, showcasing a shrewd tactical approach.

The defeat further compounds the pressure on Postecoglou, as Spurs currently sit on a meager four points after four games, their lowest total since the 2015/16 season. While Postecoglou maintains that the team’s performances deserve better results, their recent record of only 44 points from 32 Premier League fixtures paints a different picture.

The spotlight also falls on Wolves, who are yet to secure a victory after four Premier League matches. Despite Gary O’Neil’s optimism about the team’s potential, the lack of a win in 14 games, including the end of last season, highlights the urgent need for a turnaround. Wolves’ struggles to score goals, particularly from outside the box, add to the pressure.

While the team boasts talent, the upcoming fixtures against formidable opponents like Manchester City and Liverpool pose a significant challenge.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s victory against Wolves, spearheaded by Fabian Schar’s impressive performance, suggests a strong season ahead. The Swiss centre-back, who is now the Premier League’s top-scoring centre-back from outside the box, is a vital piece of the team’s resurgence.

The Premier League season is still young, and these early struggles for both Spurs and Wolves provide a glimpse of the intense battles that lie ahead.

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