Season of the set-piece - how open-play goals are falling out of fashion

**Season of the Set-Piece: How Open-Play Goals Are Falling Out of Fashion**

In the fast-paced world of the Premier League, where flamboyant players and eye-catching playmaking once reigned supreme, an intriguing shift is occurring this season: set-piece goals are becoming the new focal point of scoring. As teams adapt to the tactical intricacies of modern football, they are exploiting dead-ball situations like never before, emphasizing the importance of set-pieces in a game that some might say is losing its open-play artistry.

Traditionally, the Premier League has been known for its exhilarating style, featuring quick counter-attacks, intricate passing, and a focus on creating goal-scoring opportunities from open play. However, statistical analysis shows a notable decline in goals scored through traditional open-play dynamics. Data from the first quarter of the season indicates that nearly 40% of goals have come from set-pieces – a startling number that highlights a tactical evolution in the league.

What's driving this trend? Multiple factors have contributed to the resurgence of set-pieces as a primary method of scoring. For one, defensive organizations have improved over the years, making it increasingly difficult for teams to carve out meaningful chances in open play. With teams deploying more complex defensive setups, attacking players often find themselves stymied when trying to break through solid backlines. In response, coaches have started to emphasize the execution of set plays as a way to create that much-needed advantage.

Additionally, the physical and technical elements of set-pieces cannot be overlooked. Advances in training methodologies have enhanced players’ abilities to execute precise deliveries and timed runs. Strong aerial prowess has become a prerequisite for many defenders and forwards alike, as teams recognize the importance of capitalizing on free-kicks and corners. This season, players like Chelsea's Ben Chilwell and Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli epitomize the new archetype of set-piece specialists, combining skillful execution with tactical awareness.

Moreover, with VAR changing the dynamics of how fouls and free-kicks are judged, the opportunities for set-piece scenarios have increased. Referees are often more alert to fouls in and around the penalty area, leading to more free-kicks and penalties. This has given teams extra motivation to perfect their routines and capitalize on every possible dead-ball situation.

As the season progresses, the statistics indicate that teams are increasingly focusing their training sessions on set-piece strategies. A significant drop in goals from open play has put managers under pressure to refine their strategies further, leading to more innovative and versatile approaches to set-pieces. Manchester City, for instance, has deployed a variety of routines, incorporating staggered runs and unexpected deliveries to confound defenders.

Moreover, teams that have historically struggled in open play are finding solace in set-pieces. Newly promoted teams or those lower down in the table often lack the attacking pedigree to trouble top defenses consistently, but they can find solutions by harnessing well-rehearsed set-piece strategies. Clubs like Brentford exemplify this trend, successfully utilizing their height and physicality during dead-ball situations to snatch critical points in tight fixtures.

As the 2023 Premier League season unfolds, one thing is clear: set-piece goals are no longer seen as a supplementary aspect of the game but have become central to teams' scoring strategies. Managers and players alike are embracing this tactical shift, producing a showcase of creativity around corners and free-kicks. This season of set-pieces may pave the way for a new era in football, reminding us that sometimes, the beauty of the game lies in the most unexpected places.