The Premier League has seen a seismic shift in tactics, with set-piece goals becoming the norm. Since the start of the season, teams have been relying on free-kicks, long throws, and corners to break down their opponents, often to devastating effect. The stats are staggering: 19% of all Premier League goals this season have been scored from corners, a record high in the competition's history.
Arsenal, currently top of the table by four points, has been at the forefront of this trend, scoring an impressive nine set-piece goals (excluding penalties) so far this season. The Gunners' use of corners has been particularly effective, with 37 goals scored from such situations since the start of 2023-24 - more than any other side in Europe's big five leagues.
Tactics once seen as old-fashioned are now being employed by the league's top teams, a testament to their adaptability and willingness to evolve. The long throw, popularized by Rory Delap during his time at Stoke City, has also made a comeback, with Brentford's Michael Kayode proving particularly effective in using this tactic.
However, not all teams are equally successful in exploiting set-piece opportunities. Liverpool, one of the most storied and decorated teams in the world, have struggled to score from corners or indirect free-kicks this season, conceding six goals from such situations despite their best efforts.
As the season wears on, it remains to be seen whether this trend towards set-piece dominance will continue or if other tactics will come to the fore. One thing is certain, however: teams that can successfully exploit these opportunities will hold a significant advantage in the title race and beyond.
The rise of set-piece goals has also raised questions about the changing nature of football. With the emphasis on physicality and set-piece strategy, teams are being forced to adapt their playing styles to suit this new landscape. Will this trend towards greater reliance on set-pieces be a sustainable one, or will other tactics eventually come to the fore?
For now, it's clear that set-pieces have become an integral part of Premier League football, and teams that can successfully exploit these opportunities will be well-placed to succeed in the season ahead.
Arsenal, currently top of the table by four points, has been at the forefront of this trend, scoring an impressive nine set-piece goals (excluding penalties) so far this season. The Gunners' use of corners has been particularly effective, with 37 goals scored from such situations since the start of 2023-24 - more than any other side in Europe's big five leagues.
Tactics once seen as old-fashioned are now being employed by the league's top teams, a testament to their adaptability and willingness to evolve. The long throw, popularized by Rory Delap during his time at Stoke City, has also made a comeback, with Brentford's Michael Kayode proving particularly effective in using this tactic.
However, not all teams are equally successful in exploiting set-piece opportunities. Liverpool, one of the most storied and decorated teams in the world, have struggled to score from corners or indirect free-kicks this season, conceding six goals from such situations despite their best efforts.
As the season wears on, it remains to be seen whether this trend towards set-piece dominance will continue or if other tactics will come to the fore. One thing is certain, however: teams that can successfully exploit these opportunities will hold a significant advantage in the title race and beyond.
The rise of set-piece goals has also raised questions about the changing nature of football. With the emphasis on physicality and set-piece strategy, teams are being forced to adapt their playing styles to suit this new landscape. Will this trend towards greater reliance on set-pieces be a sustainable one, or will other tactics eventually come to the fore?
For now, it's clear that set-pieces have become an integral part of Premier League football, and teams that can successfully exploit these opportunities will be well-placed to succeed in the season ahead.
... on one hand, it's insane how set-piece goals are becoming so dominant - 19% of all Premier League goals is crazy! 
But at the same time, isn't it just a bit boring watching teams rely on free kicks and corners to break down opponents? 
It's like they're not even trying to create space or play attractive football anymore. And what about the physicality aspect - I get that set pieces can be effective, but don't we want to see more emphasis on skills and flair in the game? 
. Arsenal's corner mastery is insane, with 37 goals since 2023-24 - I mean, who needs a bunch of fancy footwork when you can just throw it in and hope for the best? 
But seriously, it's interesting to see how this shift in tactics might change the game overall. Will we see more emphasis on physicality and strength, or will teams find ways to counter with clever set-piece strategies? 
One thing's for sure - I'll be keeping an eye on this trend! 
I'm not sure what's going to happen if this trend continues but teams gotta adapt or get left behind TBH it's kinda cool to see the old-school tactics making a comeback 
Set pieces are becoming a norm now, and it's going to be super interesting to see how other teams adapt to this new strategy. I'm loving the way Liverpool are trying to perfect their set piece game too - those long throws from Delap were always a fan favorite 
Can't wait to see what other clever tactics come out of the woodwork!