I Left Brentford for Chelsea – Now Arsenal Are Copying My Winning Tactics
Chelsea’s signing of Bernardo Cueva as their set-piece coach has already begun to bear fruit, as the Blues leverage his expertise to enhance their effectiveness in dead-ball scenarios.
Cueva, who joined Chelsea from Brentford in the summer of 2024 for a reported fee of £750,000 to £1 million, has made a noticeable impact on the team’s set-piece execution.
Cueva’s Track Record
- At Brentford, Cueva was instrumental in turning set-pieces into a consistent scoring weapon, with the Bees netting 16 goals from set-pieces in the 2022/23 season—second only to Liverpool.
- His appointment marked Chelsea’s first dedicated set-piece coach since Antony Barry’s departure to Bayern Munich alongside Thomas Tuchel in 2023.
Chelsea’s Set-Piece Performance Under Cueva
This season, Chelsea has already scored five goals from set-pieces, ranking them among the top five teams in the league in this category. This improvement highlights the immediate influence of Cueva’s methods, emphasizing preparation and creativity in dead-ball situations.
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Arsenal’s Influence and Rivalry
Arsenal leads the Premier League in set-piece goals this season with eight goals, thanks to their set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, who also has roots at Brentford. Like Cueva, Jover has proven the value of specialized coaching in this area, with his work significantly contributing to Arsenal’s title challenge in recent campaigns.
Cueva’s move to Chelsea can be seen as a direct response to the growing importance of set-pieces in modern football and the success Arsenal has found under Jover. The competition between the two London clubs now extends beyond the pitch to a tactical battle in maximizing opportunities from dead-ball situations.
Sunday’s Test vs. Brentford
Chelsea’s clash with Brentford offers an ideal stage for Cueva to showcase his impact. Not only will it be a reunion with his former club, but it will also highlight his ability to transfer and adapt his methods to a new environment.
Cueva’s work underscores Chelsea’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence under Enzo Maresca. With set-pieces accounting for a growing percentage of goals in the Premier League, Chelsea’s investment in Cueva could prove to be a pivotal piece in their tactical evolution.
I Left Brentford for Chelsea – Now Arsenal Are Copying My Winning Tactics
