Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterCrossing isnt exactly a dying art, but it has certainly become rarer to see the more ambitious, attack-minded teams swing crosses into the box from open play.It just isnt de rigueur to try something so low-percentage, something so unfashionably anti-aesthetic.But two of the most attacking clubs (with two of the most modern, zeitgeisty tacticians) pivoted to crossing at the weekend, so it is worth considering whether this is the beginning of a new trend that will catch on.Get it in the boxFashion, after all, plays an outsized role in tactical theory in the Premier League, and if Brighton and Liverpool are doing it, then it must be Smart and Good.Liverpools 12 open-play crosses in the first half on Sunday were the most any team have managed against Arsenal since November 2020. By the 42nd minute, when Alex Mac Allister should have scored with a header from what was their 19th cross (open or set-piece) of the match, Liverpool had almost quadrupled the five crosses they made in the whole game against Brighton the weekend before. You may like Forget right-backs in midfield, Arsenals five-on-two shows Chelseas system is the problem Liverpool stumbled upon a tactical solution to their Florian Wirtz problem and its disarmingly simple Promoted Premier League teams are so much better now - thanks to a simple stylistic tweak Brighton werent as consistent in their 2-0 victory over Manchester City, but there was a clear tactical plan to switch the play with long diagonals into the (very wide) wingers as often as possible. Fabian Hurzeler appeared to see Citys not-actually-full-backs as the weak spot, and it worked, leading directly to the winning goal.Liverpool and Brighton had different reasons for their strategies, although the end result was the same: both knew that by getting balls into the box they could sew chaos. Brightons winner came via a deflected half-clearance, while Arsenals defence regularly made first contact but, now on the back foot, were penned in by the loose second ball (at their most dishevelled, Jurrien Timber pulled on Alexander Isaks shirt).Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.As Iraola put it: Weve put them under pressure, weve put them inside the box, weve put them there.Arsenal, uncomfortable, were pushed back into the box; were 'put there'. It is a simple, albeit unfashionable, idea that others may choose to follow.TOPICSJurrien TimberAlexander IsakLiverpoolBrightonBrighton and Hove AlbionPremier LeagueAlex KebleFreelance Tactics WriterAlex Keble is a freelance football journalist based in London, specialising in tactical analysis. Hehas written forBBC Sport, Goal, The Mirror, The Independent, Football 365, and many others. As well as covering Premier League football, Alex works as a child therapist.
