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Set-pieces are a big part of football. It's a simple way to score a goal. It doesn't involve very intricate tactics and offers a very direct route to the back of the net. If a team is dominant from set-pieces, they can never really be written off as long as they can hold down their fort at the other end.
Mosts teams have specialists for set-pieces
Teams need players who are proficient in various capacities when it comes to making the most of their set-pieces. In tight encounters, set-pieces can decide the outcome of a game.
Set-pieces include penalties, throw-ins, corners and free-kicks. In a league that is as physically demanding as the Premier League, being good at set-pieces can prove to be a huge bonus.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the five Premier League teams that have scored the most goals from set-pieces in the 2021-22 season.
#5 West Ham United - 7 set-piece goals
David Moyes has transformed West Ham United into a rather stable unit. One of the major changes that he has helped bring about is improving the Hammers' effectiveness from set-pieces.
Seven of their 37 Premier League goals this season have come from set-pieces. Moyes, along with his assistant coaches Kevin Nolan and Paul Nevin, are always looking to come up with set-piece strategies to outwit their opponents.
They have quite a few players who can deliver exquisite balls from dead-ball situations. Aaron Cresswell, Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals are all capable of delivering delicious balls into the box. The Hammers also have quite a few towering figures in their squad who can dominate the opposition in aerial battles.
#4 Arsenal - 8 set-piece goals
Arsenal roped in set-piece coach Nicolas Jover this past summer. It is safe to say now that he was one of their best recruits from last year. Jover worked with Mikel Arteta during their time together at Manchester City.
Arsenal have been getting progressively better at set-pieces this season following Jover's appointment. The Gunners' former chief set-piece coach Andreas Georgson had made them defensively solid at set-pieces. But the attacking side was found to be lacking.
Arsenal were 17th in the Premier League at scoring from set-pieces in the 2020-21 season, having netted just six last term. Jover has transformed this Arsenal side into one of the best when it comes to set-pieces. They have already scored eight goals from set-pieces halfway through the 2021-22 campaign.
#3 Chelsea - 9 set-piece goals
Chelsea have lost some of their early season momentum in recent weeks. But they are still a very solid unit that nails a lot of the basics. The Blues are one of the most effective Premier League sides from set-pieces.
Anthony Barry, who was brought in by Frank Lampard in 2020, is still in charge of Chelsea's set-piece training. The 35-year-old seems to be doing a great job as Chelsea have already scored nine goals from set-pieces in the 2021-22 Premier League season.
The likes of Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen and Romelu Lukaku are all good at aerial duels. So far, one-fifth of Chelsea's Premier League goals have come from set plays.
#2 Manchester City - 9 set-piece goals
Manchester City arguably have the best ensemble of technically proficient players in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola's players are excellent at keeping the ball and at distributing it. They also have quite a few players who excel at making life very difficult for their opposition from set-pieces.
Manchester City haven't really been that great at set-pieces under Pep Guardiola. But that has changed significantly this season. Without an out-and-out striker in their lineup, it's great that Manchester City are finding more ways to put the ball in the back of the net.
The likes of Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias and Rodri are all credible threats when it comes to corners. Riyad Mahrez, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva are all excellent at taking direct and indirect free-kicks as well.
#1 Liverpool - 10 set-piece goals
Liverpool have been dominant at set-pieces for a while now. Jurgen Klopp's men have looked pretty threatening from indirect set-pieces this term. Much of the credit for Liverpool's set-piece efficiency is down to their full-backs.
Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and left-back Andy Robertson are tasked with taking corners for the Merseysiders. Both players are excellent at swinging in some delightful balls into the box, be it from indirect free-kicks or corners.
They also have an array of players who are really good at heading the ball. Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Joel Matip are the three obvious threats. Despite not being very tall, Diogo Jota is excellent at aerial duels as well. 10 of Liverpool's 52 Premier League goals so far this season have come from set-pieces.
