Gary Neville stunned by Xabi Alonso’s tactic to nullify Arsenal’s corner threat during clash with Chelsea

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso might have found the blueprint for cancelling out Arsenal’s corner threat. Mikel Arteta’s set-piece prowess was a feature of their march to the title last term. Xabi Alonso deployed a cheeky corner tactics as his side took on Arsenal The unique strategy is meant to combat Arsenal’s set-piece danger Credit: Getty But with new Laws, designed to cut out illegal blocking, something the Gunners will have to deal with, new Chelsea chief Alonso showcased his own plan at the Emirates. At both of Arsenal’s first two corners, Chelsea put FOUR blue shirts up the pitch. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers stayed on the half-way line, with Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto just 15 yards deeper inside their own half but close to the centre circle. The danger of being outnumbered on the counter if Chelsea cleared the ball forced Arteta to call two of his set-piece attackers back to ensure the numbers were equal. Gary Neville was stunned on commentary as the trick produced a bizarre scene, in which the box was only sparsely populated by players of either team. The Manchester United legend said: “Well there’s mayhem here, because there’s four Chelsea players being left up the pitch. “Arsenal are reorganising quite quickly but its like 5v5 in the box, its mad. Wow that’s incredible.” It seemed an evolution by the former Real Madrid boss of an idea Liam Rosenior had to neutralise one of Arsenal’s biggest strengths. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The tactic left the penalty area looking unusually quiet for a corner delivery Alonso is building on an idea that Liam Rosenior tried against Arsenal earlier this year Credit: AP He placed three of his Chelsea stars on the halfway line as Arsenal set up for a corner during their Carabao Cup clash in February, with Neville again watching on in awe. And it is likely other top flight managers, certainly those who back their team’s defensive ability, will look to repeat the tactic over the coming weeks and months. Comment now