Excitingly, this is the very first Manchester United has accomplished! Actually, they won those three matches in a row for the first time since February 2024 in the Premier League. This resurgence has certainly led to increased originality in the league, but it’s come as an impressive transformation in how teams are finding the back of the net. Wondering why opponents are scoring so many set-piece goals this season? This asset has a loading time. Now is the time for clubs to take a long, hard look at accepting this developing playing trend.
As the Premier League season gets underway, surprisingly enough, Manchester City is now in a place where they’re affected by this dangerous trend. Their average possession has been the lowest recorded since such stats started being recorded and it’s sparked debates about their style of play and effectiveness. Brentford’s pioneering approach has changed the beauty of their goals. They’ve scored eight goals directly from long throws this season, a testament to the growing importance of set-piece wizardry around the league.
A Shift in Scoring Methodologies
Set-pieces have been the most important method of scoring in the Premier League this season. Remarkably, an incredible 69 percent of Bournemouth’s goals this season can be traced back to this maneuver. This graphic points to the greater need for squad-building teams to adjust to where the current and future state of goal-scoring tactics lies. Arsenal are top of the tree with 11 set-piece goals, two clear of Chelsea, in second place, with nine.
On a league-wide basis, teams are more dependent on set-pieces than ever before. In this English top flight season, corners have accounted for 19 percent of all goals as of writing. In doing so, this statistic accounted for the highest percentage recorded in any Premier League season to date. Those clubs that have been able to take advantage of this opened-up strategy are reaping immense rewards, while some clubs flounder, unable to stay in step.
Going into their last fixture, Everton were the last Premier League team yet to concede from set-pieces. Leading the nation in this amazing statistic, it’s a testament to their dominant defensive presence. In contrast, Nottingham Forest and West Ham have been vulnerable, each conceding 10 goals from set-pieces so far this season.
The Changing Landscape of Team Play
Every match the Citizens play at the moment is marred by commentary and analysis of City’s recent run of uninspiring, stale matches. Concerns from club legends like Gary Neville have been raised about the club’s apparent failure to put bums on seats and please fans with performances, saying,
“Man City aren’t even good to watch any more.” – Gary Neville
Neville elaborated further, describing City’s play as “a hybrid between direct and old Pep in terms of passing,” suggesting a lack of cohesion and clarity in their strategy. He underlined the fact that they looked and seemed beatable in every game, sparking questions about their ability to defend the title.
Ruben Amorim, the head coach of Sporting CP, emphasized his team’s adaptability and resilience and confidence with the following words,
“We feel like we can solve anything.” – Ruben Amorim
This sentiment resonates with teams looking to implement effective strategies in a league that is increasingly rewarding set-piece efficiency.
Evaluating Individual Excellence
Even as team strategies to stifle it have developed, the beauty of the individual game is unstoppable. One player stands above the rest, though, thanks to his otherworldly ability to find the back of the net from distance. Since the beginning of last season, he’s scored a dazzling seven goals! His talent intersects with yet another tactical debate in England, namely modes of goal-scoring in the Premier League.
Manchester United’s improvement under Erik ten Hag has put a spring in the step of fans and commentators. Their three-game winning streak shows that they’re back with a vengeance after facing the pressure cooker. As they go on to gain more set-piece momentum, the question becomes how well can they leverage their set-piece potential.
Mikel Arteta has assembled his Arsenal roster with an emphasis on physicality and power. That disciplined foundation allows them to thrive under pressure and strict game circumstances. The reality is that Gabriel’s impact on the pitch is pretty hard to ignore. His critics are already branding him the most dangerous player in the league.
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