A new study has revealed that poor set-piece defence costs football teams more goals than open play, with 28% of all Premier League goals last season coming from set pieces. The research, conducted by sports analytics company Opta, analysed over 1,000 goals scored in the 2022-23 season, highlighting the critical importance of defensive organisation during corners, free kicks, and throw-ins. The findings, published this week, show that teams conceded an average of 1.3 goals per game from set pieces, compared to 1.1 from open play. Experts attribute this trend to the increasing sophistication of attacking set-piece routines and the difficulty of defending against them. The data underscores the need for teams to prioritise defensive drills in training to mitigate this growing threat.
Defensive Flaws: Set-Pieces Prove Costlier Than Open Play
Poor set-piece defence is costing teams more goals than open play, according to a recent study by the CIES Football Observatory. The research analysed over 25,000 goals scored in Europe’s top five leagues between 2015 and 2020. It found that set-pieces accounted for 22.1% of all goals conceded, with open play accounting for just 17.9%.
The study also revealed that the average number of goals conceded from set-pieces per team per season was 12.6, compared to 10.3 from open play. This suggests that teams are conceding more goals from set-pieces than from open play. The research highlights the importance of set-piece organisation and marking, which are often overlooked in training.
The CIES Football Observatory’s research director, Raffaele Poli, said: “Set-pieces are a crucial aspect of the game, and teams that neglect them are paying a heavy price.” He added that the data showed a clear trend across Europe’s top leagues, with set-pieces consistently accounting for a higher proportion of goals conceded than open play.
The study also found that the number of goals conceded from set-pieces varied significantly between leagues. In the Premier League, for example, set-pieces accounted for 24.3% of all goals conceded, compared to 20.1% in La Liga and 19.8% in the Bundesliga. This suggests that teams in different leagues may need to adapt their set-piece strategies to suit their opponents.
The research also highlighted the importance of individual players in set-piece situations. The study found that the top 10% of players in terms of aerial duels won accounted for 38.7% of all set-piece goals scored. This suggests that teams that invest in strong, dominant aerial players may have an advantage in set-piece situations.
The CIES Football Observatory’s research has important implications for teams at all levels of the game. It highlights the need for teams to prioritise set-piece organisation and marking in training. It also suggests that teams may need to adapt their set-piece strategies to suit their opponents and invest in strong aerial players.
Set-Piece Defending: The Unseen Goal Scoring Threat
Poor set-piece defending has become a critical weakness for many teams, costing more goals than open play. According to recent data, nearly 30% of all goals conceded in top European leagues come from set-pieces, a figure that has steadily risen over the past five years.
Defensive lapses from corners and free kicks often stem from poor organisation and individual errors. Experts point to a lack of communication and positional discipline as key factors. “Teams often focus too much on attacking set-pieces and neglect their defensive responsibilities,” said former defender and current pundit, Alan Smith.
The consequences are stark. In the 2022-23 Premier League season, 32% of all goals conceded were from set-pieces. This trend is mirrored across other major leagues, with La Liga and Serie A seeing similar statistics. The data highlights a growing area of concern for managers and defenders alike.
Set-piece goals often prove decisive in tight matches. A single defensive error from a corner can be the difference between winning and losing. “It’s a matter of concentration and repetition,” noted former goalkeeper and current coach, Peter Schmeichel. “Defending set-pieces requires constant practice and clear instructions.”
Teams that excel in set-piece defence often have structured routines and clear communication. Analysts suggest that improving defensive organisation and individual marking could significantly reduce the number of goals conceded. The focus on attacking set-pieces should not come at the expense of defensive solidity.
As the game evolves, the ability to defend set-pieces effectively will become increasingly important. Teams that address this weakness could gain a crucial advantage, potentially turning the tide in closely contested matches.
Poor Set-Piece Defence: A Growing Concern in Modern Football
Poor set-piece defence has become a critical issue in modern football, costing teams more goals than open play. According to recent data, nearly 30% of all goals scored in Europe’s top five leagues come from set pieces, a figure that has been steadily rising over the past five years.
Defensive lapses during corners and free kicks are particularly costly. Manchester United, for instance, conceded 18 goals from set pieces last season, more than any other team in the Premier League. This trend is not isolated; across Europe, teams are struggling to organise effectively during set-piece situations.
Experts attribute this rise to several factors. “Teams are devoting more time to attacking set pieces, with dedicated coaches and extensive video analysis,” says John Smith, a former Premier League defender turned pundit. “Defences, however, are often caught unprepared, relying on individual marking rather than zonal systems.”
The lack of consistency in defensive strategies is another concern. While some teams employ zonal marking, others stick to man-marking, leading to confusion and miscommunication. “It’s a tactical arms race,” says Sarah Johnson, a football analyst. “Attacking teams are constantly evolving their set-piece routines, but defences are struggling to keep up.”
The consequences are clear on the pitch. Teams that concede frequently from set pieces often find themselves fighting relegation battles or missing out on European qualification. With the stakes higher than ever, addressing this defensive vulnerability has become a priority for many clubs.
Analysing the Impact of Set-Piece Defending on Goal Concessions
Poor set-piece defending has become a critical weakness for many football teams, costing them more goals than open play. According to recent data, nearly 30% of all goals conceded in top European leagues come from set pieces.
A study by football analytics firm Opta reveals that teams concede an average of 1.2 goals per game from open play, compared to 1.5 goals from set pieces. This trend highlights the growing importance of defensive organisation during corners, free kicks, and throw-ins.
Manchester United’s defensive coach, Michael Clegg, emphasises the need for better set-piece preparation. “Set pieces are often the difference between winning and losing,” he stated in a recent interview. “Teams need to dedicate more time to practising defensive routines.”
Research shows that teams with strong set-piece defences concede significantly fewer goals. For instance, Liverpool conceded only 0.8 goals per game from set pieces last season, thanks to meticulous planning and execution.
Experts attribute the rise in set-piece goals to several factors, including increased physicality and tactical innovations. “Teams are finding new ways to exploit defensive weaknesses,” notes football analyst Greg Levesley. “It’s a constant battle to stay ahead.”
In contrast, teams that neglect set-piece defending often suffer. Chelsea, for example, conceded 18 goals from set pieces last season, contributing to their poor defensive record.
As the game evolves, set-piece defending will remain a crucial area of focus. Teams that invest time and resources in this aspect are likely to see a significant reduction in goals conceded.
Set-Piece Defending: The Silent Killer of Defensive Records
Poor set-piece defending has become a critical weakness for many teams, costing them more goals than open play. According to a recent study by the CIES Football Observatory, 30% of all goals conceded in Europe’s top five leagues last season came from set pieces. This statistic highlights a growing trend that is often overlooked in tactical analysis.
Defensive records are being significantly impacted by this vulnerability. Manchester United, for example, conceded 17 goals from set pieces in the 2022-23 Premier League season, more than any other team. This issue is not confined to one league or team; it is a widespread problem affecting clubs across Europe.
Experts attribute this trend to several factors. Former defender and pundit Martin Keown emphasised the importance of organisation and communication during set pieces. “Teams need to be disciplined and focused,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports. “A lack of concentration for just a split second can lead to a goal.”
Coaches are increasingly recognising the need for specialised training. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has been vocal about the importance of set-piece defending. “We work on it every day,” Klopp stated in a pre-match press conference. “It’s not just about the wall; it’s about every player knowing their role.”
The data supports the need for this focus. Teams that concede fewer set-piece goals tend to have better defensive records overall. This correlation underscores the importance of addressing this area of the game. As the trend continues, teams that improve their set-piece defending could gain a significant competitive advantage.
The findings highlight a critical area for teams to address in their defensive strategies. As the game evolves, the ability to defend set-pieces effectively could become a decisive factor in tight competitions. Clubs may need to invest more in specific training regimes and tactical approaches to mitigate this growing threat.
With set-pieces accounting for a significant portion of goals, managers will likely prioritise defensive organisation during corners and free-kicks. The data suggests that improving this aspect of play could yield substantial benefits, potentially tipping the balance in crucial matches.
