Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has opened up on how his side plans to contain Arsenal’s extraordinary set-piece threat — a weapon that has defined Mikel Arteta’s team this season. The Gunners have already scored nine goals from dead-ball situations in the Premier League, making them the most efficient set-piece side in England’s top flight.
As the two clubs prepare to face off in the Carabao Cup, the young German coach offered an intriguing tactical insight into how Brighton intend to neutralise Arsenal’s most consistent attacking pattern. The Seagulls, who have conceded just one set-piece goal in nine league games, will be hoping to put that defensive solidity to the test at the Emirates Stadium.
Fabian Hürzeler explains how to defend Arsenal’s corners
Speaking ahead of the tie, Hürzeler broke down what makes Arsenal so dangerous from corners and free-kicks — and how his team can counter it effectively.
“You can’t defend them one-against-one, that’s the first thing. The second thing, I think it’s not only Gabriel [who provides a threat], it’s the movement they do together. I think they block very well for each other.” — Fabian Hürzeler, via pre-match press conference
The 31-year-old highlighted the complexity of Arsenal’s routines, noting that their success isn’t just about individual aerial threats but coordinated movement and precise delivery — often from Declan Rice. He believes disrupting those collective runs will be crucial to Brighton’s game plan.
Building a “set-piece culture” at Brighton
Hürzeler also turned the conversation towards his own team, explaining that Brighton have invested significant time in developing their set-piece identity — both offensively and defensively.
“We also try to build a set-piece culture, this needs time, this doesn’t come overnight. When we look at Arsenal, they’re one of the first teams in the league who had a set-piece coach and the work now on these topics for several months, for over several years, and you see now the results of all this work.” — Fabian Hürzeler, via pre-match press conference
The Brighton boss emphasised that his side’s structure and discipline are beginning to show statistically, reflecting a clear focus on set-piece organisation — a department in which Arsenal currently set the benchmark.
Brighton’s and Arsenal’s set-piece statistics (2025/26)
| Set-Piece Stat (2025/26) | Brighton | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored (All Competitions) | 4 | 9 |
| Goals Conceded | 1 | 2 |
| Corner Conversion Rate | 9.1% | 10.7% |
source: Opta & Statsmuse – 28 October 2025
Brighton’s defensive record from set-pieces is among the Premier League’s best, conceding just one in their opening nine games. Arsenal, meanwhile, have turned dead-ball situations into one of their biggest strengths under Arteta’s detailed tactical system, with specialist routines drilled under set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.
Our View
In our view, Hürzeler’s comments are a sign of tactical maturity and respect for what Arsenal have built. Set-pieces are often overlooked as simple, physical contests, but the Gunners’ precision and choreography have made them a genuine tactical advantage. Brighton’s structure and awareness could make this a fascinating chess match.
It’s also refreshing to hear a manager speak about embracing set-piece culture rather than rejecting it. If Brighton continue on this path, they could soon rival the league’s best in this area — proof that attention to detail pays off as much as open-play brilliance.
Key Insights
- Arsenal have scored nine set-piece goals already this season.
- Brighton have conceded just one from dead balls in the Premier League.
- Fabian Hürzeler says defending Arsenal “one-against-one” is impossible.
- He stresses the importance of building a “set-piece culture” at Brighton.
- The Carabao Cup tie promises a detailed tactical duel between two young managers.
What’s Next
Arsenal host Brighton in the Carabao Cup on 29 October 2025, marking the first meeting between Mikel Arteta and Fabian Hürzeler this season. Both sides are expected to rotate, but the set-piece battle will remain a central storyline.
For the Seagulls, it’s a test of their defensive organisation against the league’s most dangerous set-play team — and perhaps a glimpse of how England’s next generation of coaches are shaping football’s finer details.
👉 Can Brighton really stop Arsenal’s set-piece machine in the Carabao Cup?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 28 Oct 2025 12:18
They both got a high conversion rate to be honest - I hate it, but it's part of the game. Lets see if Brighton is able to stop those set pieces
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