Premier League teams are grappling with a persistent problem this season: defending set pieces. Across 152 matches played so far, 155 goals have been conceded from corners, free kicks, and throw-ins, accounting for nearly 30% of all goals scored, according to data from Opta Analytics. The issue has plagued both traditional powerhouses and relegation battlers alike, with even Manchester City and Liverpool conceding crucial goals from dead-ball situations. The problem stems from a combination of poor organisation, individual errors, and the increasing sophistication of attacking set-piece routines. While some clubs have begun to address the issue, the trend has raised questions about the league’s overall defensive standards.
Premier League Defences Exposed by Set-Piece Woes
Premier League defences have been exposed this season by a worrying trend of set-piece vulnerabilities. Teams are conceding goals from dead-ball situations at an alarming rate, with 21% of all goals scored this campaign coming from set pieces. This marks a significant increase from previous seasons, raising concerns about defensive organisation.
Manchester United and Liverpool have been particularly affected. United have conceded 12 goals from set pieces, the highest in the league. Liverpool, despite their strong start, have let in nine, with manager Jürgen Klopp admitting, “We need to improve our set-piece defending. It’s costing us crucial points.”
Experts attribute the issue to several factors. Former defender and pundit Martin Keown highlights poor communication and positioning. “Players are not marking properly,” Keown said in a recent interview. “There’s a lack of clarity in roles, and that’s leading to goals.”
The problem extends beyond the traditional big clubs. Mid-table teams like West Ham and Leicester have also struggled, conceding eight and seven set-piece goals respectively. This trend suggests a league-wide issue that requires immediate attention.
Coaches are scrambling to find solutions. Some are implementing new defensive structures, while others are focusing on communication drills. The race to improve set-piece defending is on, with the season’s outcome potentially hanging in the balance.
Set-Piece Defending Emerges as Major Concern for Top Clubs
Top Premier League clubs are grappling with a significant set-piece defending crisis this season. Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea have all conceded crucial goals from set pieces, raising concerns about their defensive organisation.
Manchester United have conceded 11 goals from set pieces this season, the highest in the league. Liverpool and Chelsea have each conceded eight. These figures highlight a worrying trend for clubs that typically pride themselves on defensive solidity.
Former England defender Gary Neville has criticised the lack of focus on set-piece defending. “Clubs are spending millions on players but neglecting basic defensive organisation,” he said in a recent interview. Neville’s comments reflect growing frustration among fans and pundits alike.
The issue extends beyond the Premier League’s traditional top six. Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have also struggled, conceding seven and six goals from set pieces respectively. This suggests a league-wide problem that requires immediate attention.
Experts point to several factors contributing to the crisis. Poor communication, lack of clear defensive structures, and over-reliance on individual talent have all been cited as key issues. Additionally, the physicality and aerial threat of modern forwards pose new challenges.
Clubs are now scrambling to address the problem. Some have brought in specialist coaches to focus on set-piece defending. Others are investing in advanced data analysis to identify weaknesses. The hope is that these measures will yield results before the end of the season.
Struggles in the Air: Premier League Teams Fail to Organise Defensively
Premier League teams are grappling with a persistent issue this season: defensive disorganisation during set-pieces. A stark 35% of goals conceded this campaign have come from set-pieces, according to Opta analytics. This figure underscores a troubling trend that has left managers and defenders scrambling for solutions.
Manchester United’s defensive coordinator, Michael O’Neill, has been vocal about the challenges. “Set-pieces are a real problem,” he admitted in a post-match interview after their recent 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa. “We’re working on it, but it’s not just about one session. It’s about consistency and understanding.”
Chelsea, too, have felt the sting. Despite their offensive prowess, they’ve conceded 10 goals from set-pieces this season. Head coach Graham Potter acknowledged the issue, stating, “We need to be better. It’s an area we’re focusing on heavily in training.”
Liverpool’s defensive woes have been well-documented. They’ve conceded 12 set-piece goals, the highest in the league. Former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher, criticised their lack of organisation, saying, “They’re all over the place. It’s basic stuff, really.”
The problem isn’t confined to the top six. Mid-table sides like Everton and Leicester City have also struggled, conceding 9 and 8 set-piece goals respectively. The trend highlights a league-wide issue that demands attention.
Defensive Disarray: Set-Pieces Prove Costly for Premier League Sides
Premier League teams are facing an unexpected challenge this season: defending set-pieces. A staggering 38% of all goals conceded this campaign have come from corners, free-kicks, and throw-ins, according to data from Opta. This alarming statistic has left defenders and managers scrambling to address the issue.
Manchester United, for instance, have conceded 11 goals from set-pieces in 14 matches. This is a significant increase from last season’s total of 15. “It’s something we’ve been working on in training,” admitted manager Erik ten Hag after their recent 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, where two goals came from set-pieces. “But we’re not seeing the improvements we need on matchdays.”
Liverpool, typically strong in this area, have also struggled. They have conceded nine set-piece goals this season, more than any other campaign in the past five years. “We’ve got to be better,” said manager Jürgen Klopp after their 3-3 draw with Nottingham Forest, where they conceded a late equaliser from a corner. “It’s about concentration and organisation.”
The problem is not limited to the top six. West Ham United, for example, have conceded 12 set-piece goals, the most in the league. “It’s a concern,” said manager David Moyes. “We’ve got to do better in these situations.”
Experts attribute the issue to several factors. Some point to the lack of specialist defenders in the Premier League. Others suggest that the increased physicality of modern football has made it harder for defenders to mark their opponents effectively. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Premier League teams must improve their set-piece defending if they are to succeed this season.
Premier League's Set-Piece Problem Deepens as Season Progresses
Premier League teams are facing a growing crisis in their set-piece defending. The league has seen a significant rise in goals conceded from corners and free kicks this season, with 136 goals already scored from set pieces. This marks a 20% increase compared to the same stage last season.
Manchester United have been particularly vulnerable. The Red Devils have conceded 18 goals from set pieces this season, the highest in the league. This poor record has contributed to their inconsistent defensive performances.
Liverpool, once praised for their set-piece defending, have also struggled. The Reds have conceded 15 goals from set pieces, with manager Jürgen Klopp admitting the issue needs urgent attention. “We need to improve our organisation and communication,” Klopp said after their recent 3-1 defeat to West Ham.
Tottenham Hotspur have conceded 14 goals from set pieces. Manager Antonio Conte has criticised his team’s lack of concentration during set pieces. “We must be more focused,” Conte stated. “We cannot afford to switch off at set pieces.”
The Premier League’s set-piece problem has drawn attention from former players. Ex-England defender Gary Neville has criticised the league’s defensive organisation. “Teams are not organising well enough at set pieces,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “This is a basic aspect of the game that needs to be addressed.”
The issue has also reached the top of the table. Arsenal, currently leading the league, have conceded 12 goals from set pieces. Manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged the need for improvement. “We are working on it,” Arteta said. “It’s an area we need to get better at.”
The Premier League’s set-piece problem shows no signs of abating. Teams must address this issue to improve their defensive performances and climb the table.
As the season progresses, Premier League teams face mounting pressure to address their set-piece vulnerabilities. With defensive coaches likely to intensify training on zonal marking and communication, the coming fixtures will reveal whether these adjustments yield results. Meanwhile, attacking teams may capitalise on this trend, refining their set-piece strategies to exploit defensive weaknesses. The battle for set-piece supremacy could ultimately shape the league’s final standings, underscoring the importance of this often-overlooked aspect of the game.
