FC Midtjylland: The team that takes set-piece tactics to an even more extreme level than Arsenal.

When it comes to the art of set-piece play in Europe, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal is often considered the gold standard with their unpredictable tactics. However, in the Danish Super League, FC Midtjylland is pushing this philosophy to a new level: more extreme, more scientific, and with a much deeper tactical orientation than the big teams in England.

Set-piece tactics

FC Midtjylland's effectiveness isn't just about dry statistics. Before their 0-0 draw against Brondby last weekend, the team had set a record of scoring in 27 consecutive matches. Remarkably, the majority of those goals didn't come from beautiful open-play combinations, but rather from set pieces or powerful long throw-ins.

Unlike Arsenal or other big clubs who often view set pieces as a solution to deadlocks, Midtjylland considers them their lifeblood and primary strategy. The close connection between the two teams is Nicolas Jover – the set-piece specialist who is helping Arsenal soar in the Premier League. In fact, Jover spent a long time training at Midtjylland to hone the techniques he now applies in London.

Weapons for equalizing top-level football.

The reason behind this worship of a style of play often considered "ugly" lies in economic considerations. With the gap between rich and poor clubs widening, Midtjylland understood that they couldn't compete with the giants from England, Spain, or Germany using their flamboyant, ball-possession style of play.

Set pieces and direct play serve as a tool for creating equality. They allow teams with limited resources to challenge the elite, similar to how Stoke City and Wimbledon once shook English football. This is a tactical rebellion against the financial inequality in modern football.

The combination of data, AI, and pressing philosophy.

What sets Midtjylland apart from traditional pragmatic teams is their application of science and technology to the pitch. The Danish team's set-piece revolution is armed with data and artificial intelligence (AI). Every factor, such as the shooting angle, ball trajectory, spin, and run-up, is measured by a computer to optimize the probability of scoring.

This team combines set-piece tactics with a fiery, high-pressing style reminiscent of coach Marcelo Bielsa. Their spectacular long throw-ins and accurate diagonal passes transform them into a rugged machine with the mind of a mathematician. While their over-reliance on set pieces might be problematic in the long term as opponents figure them out, currently, it remains the perfect springboard for Midtjylland to close the gap with top European teams.