FANS have accused Liverpool of copying Arsenal's winning corner routine in their 3-1 comeback win over Leicester on Boxing Day.
Although the Reds failed to score from the set-piece, goals from Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah left them seven points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.
For the past 18 months, Arsenal have been kings of the Prem and under Mikel Arteta have used this tactic to devastating effect.
The Gunners have scored 22 goals from corners since the start of last season and usually have a particularly powerful formula.
As per Arsenal's routine, they deploy a series of players at the back post, who hold their position before spreading into the penalty area.
The players behind the back post make their moves towards the front post – and they mix it up to confuse the defenders.
After falling behind to Jordan Ayew's opener, Liverpool were awarded a corner, which Trent Alexander-Arnold grabbed.
Arne Slot's side were lined up in a huddle around the back post and the idea was that they would make chaotic runs into the area to confuse Leicester.
Five players, including Andy Robertson, Darwin Nunez, Joe Gomez, Salah and Gakpo, tried to spread in multiple directions.
But Alexander-Arnold ultimately failed to find a single teammate in a crowded penalty area.
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Arsenal, who have been criticized for their reliance on corner kicks for goals, often change the trajectory of the ball.
Declan Rice prefers a flatter ball towards the front post, while Bukayo Saka hits the ball higher and further back and centre.
And fans were quick to point out the identical setup.
One wrote: “Liverpool copying our set pieces while nine points ahead? It's not looking good for them I'm afraid. Eyes firmly in the mirror.”
Another said: “Liverpool copying Arsenal's corner routine 😂😂.”
A third added: “If you can't beat them, join them.”
But many were quick to jump to Liverpool's defence.
One wrote: “Liverpool did that pretty much every game in pre-season so I think it's the other way around.”
A second said: “Arne Slot already did this style at Feyenoord.”
Pictures emerged online of Liverpool using the same corner kick routine during their 2-1 win over Arsenal in the United States in August.
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