The world of football strategy is evolving, and the spotlight is on set pieces. In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating world of set-piece tactics and their impact on the beautiful game.
The Set-Piece Revolution
Modern football is all about marginal gains, and set pieces have become a crucial area of focus for Premier League clubs. With over half of the teams employing dedicated set-piece coaches, it's clear that this aspect of the game is no longer overlooked.
The numbers don't lie: during the 2025-26 season, an impressive 27.4% of all goals came from non-penalty set pieces, a significant increase from the previous campaign. Corners, in particular, were a game-changer, accounting for a record-high 18% of all goals.
Unlocking Set-Piece Secrets
To help FPL managers navigate this complex landscape, we've teamed up with Solio Analytics. Their platform combines detailed football data with FPL-specific analysis, offering valuable insights into set-piece dynamics.
The Power of Set-Piece Coaches
The appointment of Austin MacPhee as Chelsea's set-piece coach highlights the growing importance of this role. His move from Aston Villa was covered like a player transfer, emphasizing the impact these specialists can have.
Top Set-Piece Teams
Last season, Arsenal led the way in set-piece dominance, scoring an incredible 25 non-penalty set-piece goals. Tottenham Hotspur, despite their relegation battle, were the second-best team in this regard, with a positive goal swing of 10.
Coventry City, promoted to the Premier League, showcased their set-piece prowess in the Championship, with a positive goal swing of 16. However, replicating this success in the top flight will be a challenge.
Player Spotlight: Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes is a set-piece master. He assisted a record-breaking 21 goals in the Premier League last season, solidifying his status as the second most expensive player in FPL.
His ability to deliver inswinging corners is a key asset, and Solio's predicted points feature reinforces his importance.
The Rise of Inswinging Corners
The trend towards inswinging corners is evident, with a significant majority of teams opting for this strategy. This preference for left-footed takers on the right and vice versa has a notable impact on player statistics.
Set-Piece Dynamics: Anton Stach and Dominik Szoboszlai
Players like Anton Stach and Dominik Szoboszlai are intriguing cases, as their set-piece responsibilities may shift with new signings and tactical changes. Stach's balanced approach to corner delivery at Leeds could be influenced by the arrival of Harry Wilson, a dangerous left-footer.
Szoboszlai, on the other hand, may see his corner volume increase with the departure of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, but the arrival of Andoni Iraola and his set-piece staff adds an intriguing layer of complexity.
Penalty Takers: Igor Thiago and Beyond
Penalty takers are a valuable asset in FPL, and Igor Thiago's exploits with Brentford have elevated his price. However, Solio's projections suggest that other players like Haaland, Fernandes, and Palmer may take more penalties in the upcoming season.
Set-Piece Receivers: The Unsung Heroes
While set-piece takers grab the headlines, it's important to recognize the players who benefit from these situations. Pascal Struijk and Gabriel Magalhães are among those who made the most of crossed corners, but it was Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk who stood out with his goal-scoring prowess.
Conclusion
As set pieces continue to shape the Premier League, understanding the intricacies of set-piece dynamics is crucial for FPL managers. Solio's projections offer a valuable tool to identify real FPL value, and we can expect more insights as we delve deeper into this fascinating aspect of the game.
