The current Premier League season is marked by a notable increase in goals derived from set-piece situations, with several clubs leveraging these dead-ball opportunities to gain an edge. Arsenal stands out as a particularly effective side in this regard, capitalizing on various set-piece tactics. Conversely, Liverpool appears to be struggling, ranking among the least effective teams in converting these chances.
Across the league, the trend of prioritizing set-piece proficiency is evident, with reports indicating that 15 out of 20 Premier League clubs now employ dedicated set-piece coaches. This tactical shift suggests a league-wide recognition of the importance of corners, free-kicks, and other dead-ball situations in determining match outcomes.
Arsenal, in particular, has reaped significant rewards from its set-piece strategy. Across all competitions, the Gunners have converted set plays into goals on 31 occasions. This success is partly attributed to the influence of their recognized set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover. In the Premier League specifically, Arsenal has scored a total of 12 goals from set-pieces, according to one analysis, while another article mentions them converting 13 set-piece goals.
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On the other end of the spectrum, Liverpool has found minimal success from set-pieces, scoring a mere two goals from these situations so far. One of these was a penalty converted by Mohamed Salah, and the other a free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai. The Reds' defensive struggles also extend to set-pieces, as they have conceded 13 goals from such situations, placing them among the highest in the league, behind Bournemouth who have conceded 14.
Other teams demonstrating proficiency in set-piece scoring include:
West Ham United: Noted for 11 set-piece goals, the team appears to have rediscovered its threat from these situations after a slow start.
Brighton and Hove Albion: The Seagulls have also managed 10 set-piece goals, underlining their reputation as an exciting and direct team.
Everton: Under David Moyes, Everton is reportedly back to being a "menace" in set-piece situations, having scored 10 goals from them.
Crystal Palace: Oliver Glasner's side is highlighted as a "set-piece specialist," scoring eight times from these opportunities.
Conversely, some clubs are experiencing difficulties:
Burnley: Has seen a significant portion of its goals, nearly half, come from dead-ball situations.
Brentford: Under new manager Keith Andrews, the team has scored eight goals from corners, free-kicks, and throw-ins.
Sunderland: The newly promoted side has utilized set-pieces effectively in their fight for survival, scoring four goals.
Wolves: The club reportedly fares poorly in set-piece rankings, as well as being at the bottom of the league table.
Manchester City: While initially struggling at the bottom of the set-piece goal table, they have since improved their performance.
Leicester City: Has scored only four set-piece goals.
The increasing emphasis on set-piece strategy appears to be a defining characteristic of the current Premier League season, influencing team performance and tactical approaches across the division.