Liverpool manager Arne Slot recently shared his thoughts on the current state of Premier League football. He feels that many of this season’s games lack excitement, primarily due to the increasing focus on set-pieces. This trend is evident, with around 27.5% of all goals scored being non-penalty set-piece goals—the second-highest rate since the 2009-10 season.
Arsenal has stood out this season for their prowess in set-pieces, scoring 16 goals from corners, which is the most any team has recorded in a Premier League season. In Liverpool’s recent 5-2 victory over West Ham, all three first-half goals came from corners, highlighting the trend further.
Interestingly, Slot pointed out that this trend is less pronounced in other leagues. He noted, “If I watch other leagues, I don’t see as much emphasis on set-pieces.” In places like the Eredivisie, where he still follows the games, he observes more attention to keeping the game fluid and less tolerance for goalkeeper interference.
Slot expressed nostalgia for a different style of football, reminiscing about the thrilling Barcelona teams from years ago. “Every Sunday evening, you were hoping to see great football,” he said. He reflected that many current Premier League matches don’t bring him joy, though he acknowledges the intense competition makes for an interesting league—”Everyone can win against everyone.”
This reliance on set-pieces could become a fixture even at junior levels, Slot suggests. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you went to watch a Sunday League match and saw 16-year-olds focusing on set-pieces,” he added.
According to a recent study, teams that utilize set-pieces effectively tend to perform better overall. This suggests a shift in strategy that may shape the future of the game. Slot’s acceptance of this reality indicates a need for teams to adapt, even if it means sacrificing the fluid play many fans enjoy.
For more insights into the evolution of football tactics, you can look into resources from authoritative sources like the Football Association.
