Set-Piece Revolution: English Football Redefines Winning Tactics
Published: November 21, 2024 | Last Updated: November 21, 2024
LONDON – Forget intricate passing triangles and possession-based dominance. A seismic shift is underway in English football, and it’s being scored from corners, throw-ins, and expertly crafted free kicks. What was once considered a secondary element of the game is now a primary focus, with teams across the Premier League – and beyond – dedicating significant resources to mastering the art of the set piece. This isn’t just a tactical tweak; it’s a full-blown revolution, and it’s happening now.
From Coincidence to Calculated Strategy: The Rise of the Set Piece
The change hasn’t been sudden, but the acceleration is undeniable. Initially dismissed as lucky breaks – like Declan Rice’s two free kicks against Real Madrid – the increasing frequency of goals from set pieces is now backed by compelling data. Analysis of the English Championship reveals a jump from an average of 21.65% of goals originating from set pieces over the past decade to 27.8% this season (excluding penalties). A single weekend recently saw a flurry of goals from corners, free kicks, and, crucially, long throw-ins – a tactic rapidly gaining traction.
Sunderland, Brentford, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Bournemouth all found the net from set-piece situations in a single round of fixtures, prompting coaches across the league to openly address the topic. Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca even joked about bringing in his throw-in specialist father, highlighting the seriousness with which teams are approaching this new frontier.
The Science of the Throw-In: Beyond Brute Force
Long throw-ins, once viewed as a last resort, are undergoing a renaissance. England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledges the growing importance of these deliveries, stating, “Crosses are back and so are throw-ins… We will also talk about long throw-ins.” Tuchel’s foresight is underscored by the presence of Anthony Barry, his assistant coach, a specialist in throw-in technique who literally wrote his thesis on the subject, analyzing over 16,000 throws from a single Premier League season. Barry’s expertise mirrors the success of Keith Andrews at Brentford, who pioneered a throw-in strategy that has yielded eight goals since last season – more than double any other Premier League team.
Tottenham’s recent tactical shift, under a new manager, vividly illustrates this trend. Opta data reveals a dramatic increase in accurate throw-ins into the penalty area this season compared to the last, signaling a clear strategic intent.
Corners: Arsenal’s Statistical Dominance
While throw-ins are gaining prominence, corners remain the most impactful set piece. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, are setting the standard, having scored a staggering 37 goals from corners since the 2023/2024 season – at least 11 more than any other club in Europe’s top five leagues. This success is largely attributed to standards coach Nicolas Jover, whose meticulous approach has transformed Arsenal’s corner routines into a potent attacking weapon. Across Europe, the percentage of goals scored from corners is also on the rise, mirroring the trend in England.
A Shift in Style: Verticality Over Possession
This emphasis on set pieces isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s part of a broader stylistic shift in English football, moving away from patient positional play towards a more direct, vertical approach. Even Manchester City, the epitome of possession-based football, are exhibiting a lower possession percentage this season than they have in nine years. Standards, which bypass the need for intricate build-up play, fit perfectly into this evolving landscape.
Newly appointed Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche echoed this sentiment, observing a surge in long passes and crosses across the league. This change is being framed as a return to traditional English football values – a pragmatic, results-oriented approach.
Leveling the Playing Field: The Advantage for Smaller Clubs
The set-piece revolution isn’t just benefiting the elite. It provides a significant advantage to smaller clubs with limited resources. In a crowded penalty area, a lucky ricochet can be just as effective as a multi-million-pound superstar. The goal scored by Wilson Isidore for Sunderland against Chelsea exemplifies this point – a testament to the unpredictable nature of set-piece scenarios.
The Art of Time-Wasting: A Tactical Edge
Beyond scoring, teams are also exploiting the rules surrounding set pieces to gain a tactical advantage. Arsenal, in particular, have been accused of “dark magic” in controlling the pace of the game through prolonged delays before set pieces, meticulously discussing routines and setting up defensive walls. This tactic, while controversial, highlights the importance of maximizing every opportunity within the existing framework of the rules.
The IFAB commission, responsible for determining football’s rules, is now considering measures to address these delays, potentially introducing time limits for goal kicks and throw-ins, similar to the existing eight-second rule for goalkeepers.
The innovations aren’t confined to England, but the Premier League’s influence means that what happens here often sets the global agenda. As the game continues to evolve, mastering the art of the set piece will be crucial for any team aspiring to success. The revolution is here, and it’s changing the beautiful game, one corner, one throw-in, one expertly delivered free kick at a time. Stay tuned to archyde.com for ongoing coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the tactical trends shaping modern football.
