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November 23, 2025
John Aldridge: Arsenal have created a fear factor that too many teams have fallen for
You could be forgiven for believing Arsenal have reinvented the art of the set piece, but what they are doing is nothing new.
**John Aldridge: Arsenal have created a fear factor that too many teams have fallen for**
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes Arsenal's recent success isn't necessarily down to revolutionary tactics, but rather a clever exploitation of the "fear factor" they've instilled in their opponents. While many are praising Arsenal's seemingly newfound prowess at set pieces, Aldridge suggests their effectiveness is more about psychological advantage than tactical innovation.
Arsenal's dominance this season has been built on a combination of attacking flair and defensive solidity, leading many to dissect their strategies for clues to their success. The focus has often been on their set-piece routines, with commentators and pundits marveling at their intricate plays and high conversion rate. However, Aldridge argues that the Gunners are simply executing well-established tactics, and the key ingredient is the intimidation they exert on the opposition.
"You could be forgiven for believing Arsenal have reinvented the art of the set piece, but what they are doing is nothing new," Aldridge stated, implying that Arsenal's success in these situations stems from the pressure they exert, causing opponents to become disorganized and make mistakes. This fear factor, he suggests, amplifies the effectiveness of even the most basic set-piece plays.
Aldridge's comments highlight the importance of the mental aspect of football. He believes Arsenal have successfully cultivated an aura of invincibility, leading teams to approach games against them with a sense of trepidation. This mindset can lead to defensive errors, poor decision-making, and ultimately, goals conceded.
By creating this fear factor, Arsenal can capitalize on the mistakes and insecurities of their opponents, making them more vulnerable to set-piece attacks and open play opportunities alike. While tactical innovation undoubtedly plays a role in their success, Aldridge's analysis suggests that Arsenal's mental dominance is a significant, and perhaps overlooked, factor in their impressive performances this season. Whether or not other teams can overcome this psychological barrier remains to be seen, but Aldridge’s analysis provides a compelling alternative to simple tactical explanations.
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes Arsenal's recent success isn't necessarily down to revolutionary tactics, but rather a clever exploitation of the "fear factor" they've instilled in their opponents. While many are praising Arsenal's seemingly newfound prowess at set pieces, Aldridge suggests their effectiveness is more about psychological advantage than tactical innovation.
Arsenal's dominance this season has been built on a combination of attacking flair and defensive solidity, leading many to dissect their strategies for clues to their success. The focus has often been on their set-piece routines, with commentators and pundits marveling at their intricate plays and high conversion rate. However, Aldridge argues that the Gunners are simply executing well-established tactics, and the key ingredient is the intimidation they exert on the opposition.
"You could be forgiven for believing Arsenal have reinvented the art of the set piece, but what they are doing is nothing new," Aldridge stated, implying that Arsenal's success in these situations stems from the pressure they exert, causing opponents to become disorganized and make mistakes. This fear factor, he suggests, amplifies the effectiveness of even the most basic set-piece plays.
Aldridge's comments highlight the importance of the mental aspect of football. He believes Arsenal have successfully cultivated an aura of invincibility, leading teams to approach games against them with a sense of trepidation. This mindset can lead to defensive errors, poor decision-making, and ultimately, goals conceded.
By creating this fear factor, Arsenal can capitalize on the mistakes and insecurities of their opponents, making them more vulnerable to set-piece attacks and open play opportunities alike. While tactical innovation undoubtedly plays a role in their success, Aldridge's analysis suggests that Arsenal's mental dominance is a significant, and perhaps overlooked, factor in their impressive performances this season. Whether or not other teams can overcome this psychological barrier remains to be seen, but Aldridge’s analysis provides a compelling alternative to simple tactical explanations.
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