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.
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.
... 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? 
. And what's with Arsenal being so dominant from open play tho? Is Mikel Arteta pulling strings or is it really all about conditioning? 
. 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 
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. 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?
. It's like they've cracked the code or something!
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. I mean, who needs to score from open play when you can just catch your opponents off guard with a corner kick? 
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!
. 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 
meanwhile, liverpool's struggles r a bit concerning... they need 2 step up their game ASAP 
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 
.
. One thing is for sure, though - set pieces are here to stay 
!
. Even Liverpool is struggling to get those goals from corners 
, and I'm loving every minute of it 
. Can't wait to see what other teams come up with in response 
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. Can't wait to see how it all plays out 
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? 