Harry Kane Urges Bayern to Improve Set-Piece Defending vs Arsenal

Harry Kane has delivered a clear message to his Bayern Munich teammates: defending set pieces better is crucial ahead of their Champions League showdown against Arsenal. As the ex-Tottenham striker prepares to face his former North London rivals at Emirates Stadium, he openly admitted his concern over Arsenal’s lethal dead-ball prowess.

Harry Kane Calls for Set-Piece Focus Ahead of Arsenal Clash

Set pieces have become a defining weapon for Arsenal this season. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have earned the reputation of ‘set-piece kings’, netting 12 of their 39 goals in all competitions from dead-ball situations—a conversion rate of over 30%. Kane is under no illusions about the threat Arsenal pose and wants Bayern to step up their defensive game. He told reporters, “Of course I follow the Premier League. Arsenal have done well so far in that department. We’ve prepared for Arsenal as usual. The best thing will be to not give them any set pieces, to control the game – and we need to defend better than we have recently when we do concede set pieces.”

Set-Piece Strength: Arsenal’s Key Advantage

Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency has become a hallmark of their 2025 campaign. Even without relying on dead-ball situations, as seen in their recent dominant 4-1 win over Tottenham, Arteta’s squad prove they can strike in open play. Yet Arteta, ever the perfectionist, expressed disappointment at not scoring from a set piece against Spurs, stating, “I am upset we didn’t score with a set piece. I want to score with a set piece as well.”

Bayern’s Own Struggles Defending Set Pieces

While Bayern Munich lead the 2025-26 Bundesliga race, their vulnerability at set pieces remains a worry, having conceded six goals from dead-ball scenarios this term. Kane’s warning is timely; against a team as deadly as Arsenal from set plays, any lapse could prove costly in this vital Champions League encounter.

Harry Kane’s Form and Arsenal’s Defensive Challenge

Kane, enjoying a spectacular first full season with Bayern, has scored 24 goals in just 18 matches. Arsenal’s defenders, too, are on high alert. Jurrien Timber, when asked how Arsenal plans to contain Kane, acknowledged, “That is not going to be easy, of course. I think he is an amazing striker, everyone knows that. He has so many qualities. He has been doing it for such a long time already, and now at Bayern Munich he has been one of the best players in the world. So, it is going to be a nice challenge for us as a team, as defenders, to stop him tomorrow.”

Timber highlighted that Kane’s presence shapes Arsenal’s defensive approach. “When you face an opposition with Harry Kane as the striker, he is a topic and you discuss him as defenders, because he is one of the dangerous players,” he added.

Strategic Approaches: Bayern and Arsenal’s Preparations

The tactical battle between two European giants will likely be decided by fine margins. Arsenal’s set-piece routines, often orchestrated with precision and creativity, put pressure on Bayern’s defensive organization. Bayern, in turn, must limit fouls in dangerous areas and stay switched on during dead-ball situations. Kane’s leadership and input could prove pivotal as Bayern aim to counter Arsenal’s biggest strength.

Set-Piece Defending: The Game-Changer for Bayern Against Arsenal

Harry Kane’s focus on set-piece defending is not just a tactical necessity—it’s a potential game-changer. With both clubs boasting a wealth of attacking talent, the outcome could hinge on one moment of brilliance or a single defensive lapse during a corner or free-kick.

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Opinion: Set Pieces Could Tip the Balance

In matches where quality is abundant on both sides, set-piece mastery often separates champions from contenders. If Bayern heed Kane’s caution and tighten up their defending at dead balls, they could neutralize Arsenal’s most effective weapon and put themselves in a strong position to progress. Conversely, any slip could see the Gunners capitalize and take a decisive advantage. Kane’s awareness and experience might be Bayern’s secret weapon, but execution on the pitch will ultimately decide who prevails.