Season of the set-piece - how open-play goals are falling out of fashion

The Premier League is witnessing a shift in tactics, with set-piece goals becoming increasingly popular. In recent matches, scoring from free-kicks, corners, and long throws has been on the rise, transforming what was once considered a tactic for weaker teams into a viable strategy for top-tier clubs.

According to data, 19% of all Premier League goals this season have been scored from corners, with Arsenal topping the table by four points despite having scored only five times from open play. The Gunners' manager, Mikel Arteta, attributes their success to improvements in coaching and player conditioning, which make it harder for opponents to find space on the pitch.

Other top-tier clubs are also following suit, using set-pieces as a key attacking tactic. Tottenham, under Thomas Frank's management, have been particularly effective from corners, scoring seven goals from such situations this season. Brentford's use of long throws has also proved successful, with their defender Michael Kayode netting crucial goals for the team.

However, not all teams are embracing this trend. Liverpool, the defending champions, have struggled to score from set-pieces, conceding six goals from corners and indirect free-kicks in their last four league matches. Their manager, Arne Slot, admits that they need to improve in this area if they want to compete with other top clubs.

As the Premier League season progresses, it remains to be seen whether set-piece goals will continue to dominate the competition or become less prevalent. One thing is certain, though: teams that can exploit these tactics will have a significant advantage over their opponents.

Set-piece goals are becoming way too predictable ... I mean, it's like every team's trying to copy each other's move. It's not as clever or creative as people think. Top teams like Liverpool should be focusing on developing more diverse tactics, not just relying on free-kicks and corners. It's easy to score goals from set-pieces when you have a good mix of pace and skill upfront. But what about the opponent who can nullify your set-piece threat?

Set pieces are like the new fancy football skill lol! Everyone's trying to master them now and it's kinda cool how teams that were once at the bottom of the table (get it?) are now rocking corners & long throws. Like, I'm curious if Liverpool will step up their game or just accept they're not as good at set pieces anymore . And what's with Arsenal being so dominant from open play tho? Is Mikel Arteta pulling strings or is it really all about conditioning?

omg u gotta love how top teams r adapting by scoring from corners lol what's next gonna be throwin in some beach balls 4 extra points idk if liverpool cant sort out set-pieces they'll get left behind like, i feel for them tho they've been slippin up lately any1 got a theory on why arsenal is killin it from open play?

Ugh, this set-piece goal trend is so predictable . I mean, who wouldn't want to rely on long balls and corners to score? It's like every team is playing the same boring game . And don't even get me started on how easy it must be for defenders to anticipate these types of goals... just set a guy in the box and voilà! Easy money . Meanwhile, teams that can still manage to create chances through actual football skills will be left behind . Liverpool's struggles from set-pieces are like, totally expected . And what's with all the emphasis on "exploiting" tactics? It's just a bunch of overpaid players and coaches trying to find ways to get an edge... like it's not already given to them .

Set-pieces are killing the game right now . I mean, it's crazy how teams like Arsenal and Tottenham are raking in points from corners alone . Arteta's coaching has clearly paid off for the Gunners, and now everyone else is copying them . But at the same time, you can't help but wonder if this is just a phase or if teams will start relying too much on it . I'm actually kinda concerned about Liverpool - those six goals conceded from corners in their last four games are not something to sniff at . Do you think they'll be able to sort out their set-piece woes before the season ends?

I'm telling ya, it's crazy how much importance is being put on set pieces in the Premier League right now ! I mean, I remember back in my day, we used to think that only weaker teams relied on corners and free kicks to score goals... now, even top clubs are using them as a key attacking tactic . It's like they've cracked the code or something!

Arsenal and Tottenham are definitely leaders in this department, but it's interesting to see how other teams are adapting their strategies. And Liverpool... oh boy, they're really struggling with this one . I think it's a testament to how quickly football tactics can change, though. As long as teams keep innovating and finding new ways to exploit set pieces, it's going to be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out ️.

I'm loving how the bigger teams are adapting and using corners to score more goals . It's like they're recognizing that even set-piece goals can be super effective if you've got the right players and training in place . I mean, who needs to score from open play when you can just catch your opponents off guard with a corner kick?

But at the same time, it's interesting to see teams like Liverpool struggling with this. Like, how do you even practice set-piece defending if you're not even scoring from them yourself? I guess that's why having good coaches and players is so important – they can help you figure out strategies like this and make adjustments on the fly .

I'm also a bit curious about what the future holds. Will teams start relying too heavily on set-piece goals, or will opponents find ways to counter them? Maybe we'll see some teams experimenting with new tactics to try and disrupt their opponents' set-pieces . It's all pretty fascinating, actually !

Ugh, this league is gonna be all about headers and long throws now . Everyone's just trying to throw the ball in the box and hope something sticks. I mean, it's not like teams are actually creating scoring chances anymore... 19% of goals from corners? That's a joke! They're literally just setting up a wall of players and hoping someone beats them to the punch . And what's with all these "improvements" in coaching and conditioning? Sounds like just an excuse for teams that can't adapt on their own . I mean, Liverpool needs to get it together if they wanna stay on top... but I'm not holding my breath . This league is gonna be all about set-pieces and parking the bus until someone scores .

set piece goals are getting crazy rn ... i mean, 19% of all premier league goals are coming from corners? it's wild. but at the same time, i'm not surprised. top clubs always find ways to adapt and improve. arsenal's approach is smart, making it harder for opponents to find space with their conditioning. and teams that can utilize long throws like brentford are gonna cause problems. but liverpool struggling to score from set pieces? yeah, that's a worry... they need to sort that out or they'll get left behind . it's all about being adaptable now... will teams keep relying on set piece goals or do they start innovating again? only time will tell

omg u gotta love how arsenal & brentford are killing it from corners!! they're defo proving that set pieces r not just for weaker teams anymore! and i'm loving how mikel arteta is giving credit to his coaching staff & player conditioning meanwhile, liverpool's struggles r a bit concerning... they need 2 step up their game ASAP but hey, it's all part of the game, right? teams that adapt will always have an edge

Set pieces are taking over the Premier League and I'm kinda here for it? I mean, it's not like we haven't seen this before, but to see top clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham getting on board with it is pretty cool . But at the same time, it makes me wonder if teams are becoming too reliant on these tactics. Like, what happens when they're not working out? Liverpool's struggles from set pieces are a great example of this .

But hey, it's all part of the game, right? Teams that can exploit these tactics will definitely have an edge . Maybe we'll see more creativity and innovation as teams try to stay ahead of the curve . One thing is for sure, though - set pieces are here to stay !

I'm so hyped about this new tactic in the Premier League ! Teams like Arsenal and Tottenham are totally killing it from corners , and I love how Brentford's long throws are giving them an edge . I've been watching all these matches and I gotta say, it's making the game so much more exciting . The stats don't lie, set-pieces are becoming a key part of the game now . Even Liverpool is struggling to get those goals from corners , but they're still doing great overall.

I think this trend is here to stay, and teams that can master set-piece attacks will have so much power . The Gunners are on fire right now , and I'm loving every minute of it . Can't wait to see what other teams come up with in response !

I gotta say, this Premier League stuff is getting pretty weird . I mean, who would've thought that set-piece goals are like, the new cool way to score? Like, remember when you could just kick the ball and hope for the best? Now it's all about corners, free-kicks, and long throws... what happened to some good old-fashioned 1v1 action?

But seriously, teams that can exploit these tactics are definitely gonna have an edge. I mean, look at Arsenal, they're like the masters of set-pieces . And Brentford's long throws are like a special sauce . But Liverpool... they need to get their act together .

I'm not sure if this trend is gonna stick, but for now, I think teams that can pull off these set-piece goals will be the ones to beat . Can't wait to see how it all plays out .

set piece goals are soooo last season I mean, who needs to create actual scoring opportunities when you can just kick the ball from 20 yards out and hope for the best? Arsenal's success is definitely not just about their 'improved coaching and player conditioning', more like they're just figuring it out as they go along. Mikel Arteta must be so proud of his team... not