So far this season, the Premier League has already experienced an impressive surge of set-piece menace. Teams are significantly changing tactical norms to increase their effectiveness. David Moyes, then manager of Everton, famously took a very hard line on this trend. He points out how important set pieces are on the defensive end and for scoring. As teams adapt to this evolving strategy, players from multiple clubs have begun to shine in their roles during set-piece scenarios.
Everton’s recent match against West Ham highlighted this development when defender Michael Keane scored a crucial goal from a set-piece. The club has made a concerted effort recently to identify new, innovative set-piece tactics. Moyes has been a demanding taskmaster, constantly pushing his side to capitalize on these key moments. “Over my years, we always took care of trying to do well at set-pieces, whether that was defending them or whether it was scoring from them,” Moyes stated.
On average Premier League matches this season have seen 3.85 long throw ins launched into the penalty box per game. It’s a notable increase from last season’s average of a measly 1.52. This impressive statistic neatly demonstrates how much more teams are incorporating set-pieces into their overall game plan. That’s Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele who went viral last week scoring an equalizing goal from long throw in their upset win over Chelsea. This was a clear demonstration of the increasing role set-pieces are playing in deciding matches.
Teams Adapting Their Set-Piece Tactics
While many clubs have adapted to this tactical evolution, none have been as enjoyable as the club formerly known as the Hotspurs – Tottenham Hotspur. As the title suggests, Joao Palhinha has really taken charge of set-pieces for Spurs. More importantly, his efforts are increasing the team’s efficiency in dead-ball situations. Cristian Romero, another vital cog in Tottenham’s wheel to match Arsenal’s key mischief-maker, can just as easily turn a set-piece into a goal-scoring opportunity.
David Moyes praised the contributions of players like Granit Xhaka and Bukayo Saka, both providing terrific delivery in set-pieces. “Xhaka, especially, has given them that level of professionalism and understanding of the game,” Moyes remarked. This professionalism is key as teams know more than ever that a successful set-piece can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Tottenham have a number of players who are specialists in heading the ball during set-pieces. This ability massively increases their lethality in those scenarios. Moyes wants to see all managers change with the times and progress with what’s trending in the game. His tactical obsession with set-pieces is evidence of this attitude.
The Role of Leadership in Set-Piece Execution
Moyes was keen to stress the role of player leadership when it comes to improving set-pieces execution. That’s as much in vogue at the time of writing as set-pieces if you ask me. Managers don’t want you to be managers anymore, they want you to be leaders, they’re wanting people who can step up and own it,” he said. Experienced campaigners such as Jordan Pickford and James Tarkowski set the tone here at Everton. Their presence alone creates a culture of accountability, dominance, and especially set-piece excellence.
Perhaps no element of Granit Xhaka’s game this season has been more impressive than his development as a leader on the pitch. Moyes and other league luminaries laud his mastery in developing younger players. Just as with set-pieces, he makes them value the critical moments of a match, deepening their tactical appreciation. “There’s a certain type of player who knows the levels and the standards which constitute being good,” Moyes stated.
This is where we’re beginning to see the increased value of specialist leadership in teams. This recognition is further proof that effective, positive leadership is the key ingredient to achieving success on the field.
Emphasizing the Importance of Set-Piece Preparation
As the season has moved on, clubs have come to realise that this ongoing approach cannot continue without deathly consequences. Moyes cautioned against underestimating this aspect of the game: “If you don’t defend corners or free-kicks well enough or you don’t score a few from them, then you’ll make it really difficult for yourself.” These kinds of revelations should ring out with managers all over the league as they prepare for midweek fixtures.
Everton’s dedicated preparation for set-pieces is a testament to Moyes’ philosophy. The manager has consistently maintained that all clubs should invest heavily in this aspect of the game to compete at the highest level. “I don’t think everybody’s shifting to direct play. I think that people are just changing with the time,” he explained. This versatility is a perfect example of how teams can use set-pieces as a dangerous tool to use in their tactical toolbox.
The heart, the willingness to embrace change, that’s the one that is growing more and more important in football. “I think anybody would be really naive if they didn’t think that all those attributes are part of it,” Moyes noted, highlighting the evolving nature of football strategies.
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