Arsenal is shaking things up in a big way, and it’s not just about their on-field tactics. Imagine a coach so specialized, he’s dedicated his career to perfecting the art of the throw-in. Yes, you read that right—Arsenal has hired Thomas Gronnemark, the former Liverpool throw-in coach, to elevate their set-piece game. But here’s where it gets intriguing: while the Gunners have already scored an impressive 14 goals from set-pieces this season—more than any other Premier League team—they’ve yet to find the net from a throw-in. And this is the part most people miss: throw-ins are often overlooked as a mere formality, but Gronnemark is here to prove they’re a game-changer.
Gronnemark, a Dane with a unique expertise, previously worked under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool from 2018 to 2023 and also consulted for Brentford. His impact? During his time at Liverpool, the Reds’ possession from throw-ins soared from 45.4% to 68.4%, catapulting them from 18th to 1st in the league for that metric. Meanwhile, Brentford has scored nine goals from throw-ins since the start of last season—the most in the Premier League. In contrast, Arsenal is one of just five teams yet to score from a throw-in in that same period. Controversial take: Could this be the missing piece in Arsenal’s puzzle?
This season, Declan Rice has taken on the role of Arsenal’s designated long-throw specialist, reflecting the growing trend of teams using throw-ins as a strategic weapon. Last season, 20 goals were scored from throw-in routines, and this season, that number has already jumped to 25. Gronnemark’s philosophy is clear: “Throw-ins are underestimated by coaches, players, commentators, and fans as something you should just do and see what happens,” he told BBC Sport. He also pointed out the harsh reality: “If you expect professional footballers to be world-class throwers without coaching, you’re being overly optimistic. The standard is often quite poor.”
But why does this matter? Gronnemark argues that for smaller clubs, mastering throw-ins can be a survival tactic, while for top-tier teams, it can enhance their style of play. “No matter your position in the league, throw-ins are an advantage,” he insists. Working part-time with Arsenal, Gronnemark aims to turn this overlooked set-piece into a strength for the Gunners.
Here’s the burning question: Are throw-ins the unsung hero of modern football, or just a niche skill that’s overhyped? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions!
