The Secret Weapon: Why Set Pieces are Taking Over the EPL

The Quiet Revolution in Modern Football

It might sound a bit technical, but modern football, especially in the English Premier League, is all about finding those tiny advantages. Every team is looking for a little something extra to get ahead of their rivals. And lately, a big focus has turned to what we call 'set pieces' – think free kicks, corners, and throw-ins.

You might be surprised to learn that more than half of the Premier League teams now have coaches specifically dedicated to set pieces! For those who don't, it really feels like they're risking falling behind. It just goes to show how important these moments have become.

This isn't just a hunch; the numbers really back it up. For the 2025/26 season, a remarkable 27.4% of all goals came from set pieces (excluding penalties). That's a huge jump from the previous season's 20.6%, and it's actually the second-highest rate in the 34-year history of the league! Corner kicks, too, are playing a bigger role, contributing 18% of all goals, up from 12.1% a season prior. This trend isn't slowing down, and it's truly transforming how games are won and lost.

Who's Mastering the Set Piece Game?

When you look at which teams are excelling, Arsenal led the pack in the 2025/26 season. They scored 25 goals from set pieces and only conceded eight, giving them an impressive positive difference of 17 goals. Surprisingly, Tottenham Hotspur, despite finishing lower in the league, was second best with a positive difference of 10 goals. Their set-piece coach, Andreas Georgson, seems to be doing wonders, potentially even keeping them out of a relegation battle!

On the flip side, some teams struggled significantly. Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Liverpool each let in 20 goals from set pieces (excluding penalties) last season. It's interesting to note that coach Andoni Iraola and his set-piece team have moved from Bournemouth to Liverpool, which suggests Liverpool's journey to improve in this area might take some time.

One fascinating trend is the preference for 'inswinging' corners – those that curl towards the goal. Last season, 2,643 corners were inswinging compared to only 541 that swung away. This means teams are strategically using players who are left-footed on the right side of the pitch and right-footed players on the left side to maximize that dangerous curl. This nuanced approach shows how every small decision, from player choice to kick type, is now being optimized for success.

Why This Matters

For us, whether we're listening to a match or just enjoying our daily life, understanding these details can actually enhance our experience. Just like a well-composed song has subtle harmonies that make it beautiful, these 'small' tactical choices in football make the game richer and more exciting. It's a reminder that often, the biggest impacts come from paying careful attention to the little things, bringing a sense of calm strategy even to the most energetic moments.