The Premier League's reliance on set-pieces over open play goals has become a concerning trend. In the first 11 games of this season, teams have scored 39 fewer goals in open play and 26 more from set-piece situations. This represents an overall decrease of 13 goals compared to the same period last season.
Comparing this season's numbers to those from last year shows that the league is heading towards a record low for open-play goals per game. If this trend continues, it would be the lowest in five years since the 2020-21 campaign.
One notable team that stands out is Wolves, which has seen its open-play scoring decline significantly, with just four goals scored in 11 games, compared to 14 last season. Conversely, Manchester City have experienced an increase in their open-play goal-scoring, all but one of their 23 goals this season coming from open play.
While teams like Arsenal and Chelsea are also relying on set-pieces more than ever before, it's essential for Premier League sides to find ways to rediscover their creativity and start scoring more open-play goals. This could be due to changes in tactics or the increasing reliance on dead-ball situations.
The promotion and relegation storylines have not gone unnoticed either. Play-off winners Sunderland have shown that they can score more from open play than relegated teams like Southampton, while other teams like Manchester United and Nottingham Forest have also seen significant increases in their set-piece goal-scoring.
To determine which teams are most responsible for the decline of open-play goals, a closer examination is required, taking into account both the team's overall performance and how well they adapt to the changing landscape of the league.
Comparing this season's numbers to those from last year shows that the league is heading towards a record low for open-play goals per game. If this trend continues, it would be the lowest in five years since the 2020-21 campaign.
One notable team that stands out is Wolves, which has seen its open-play scoring decline significantly, with just four goals scored in 11 games, compared to 14 last season. Conversely, Manchester City have experienced an increase in their open-play goal-scoring, all but one of their 23 goals this season coming from open play.
While teams like Arsenal and Chelsea are also relying on set-pieces more than ever before, it's essential for Premier League sides to find ways to rediscover their creativity and start scoring more open-play goals. This could be due to changes in tactics or the increasing reliance on dead-ball situations.
The promotion and relegation storylines have not gone unnoticed either. Play-off winners Sunderland have shown that they can score more from open play than relegated teams like Southampton, while other teams like Manchester United and Nottingham Forest have also seen significant increases in their set-piece goal-scoring.
To determine which teams are most responsible for the decline of open-play goals, a closer examination is required, taking into account both the team's overall performance and how well they adapt to the changing landscape of the league.
I've taken my kids to watch Wolves play and it was like watching a different team, all the long balls and crosses were getting them goals but it looked so boring to watch! 
Meanwhile, Manchester City have found a way to still score lots of goals from open play which is great. 
But what's wrong with teams not relying on set-pieces so much? It just feels like they're playing less football... 
I've seen Arsenal and Chelsea try different tactics but it doesn't seem to be working for them. 
Maybe we need to look at how teams are adapting to the rule changes in Europe too, that might give us some clues on how to get back to more open play goals! 
but at least man city is still bringing the heat with most of their goals coming from open play 
still hoping teams like arsenal and chelsea find a way to break out of this set-piece only mentality 
. The league needs to mix things up and bring back those thrilling open-play goals! 
️
. It seems like teams are relying too much on set-pieces and not enough on open play goals, which is a big concern for me. I mean, who wants to watch football that's more about hoofing the ball into the box than actual skill and creativity? 
it's like they're playing a different game, you know? 
and yeah, teams like Wolves have taken a massive hit in terms of scoring from open play - 4 goals in 11 games? that's crazy! 
but at the same time, I'm loving how some teams are adapting to this new trend by focusing on set-pieces... it's all about being smart, right? 
. Its like they're playing a different game, you know? In my day, we'd run at people's legs and score from 20 yards out (laughs) those were the days! Now it seems like every goal is from a corner kick or free kick 
.
How can you teach your kid to be creative and think outside the box when their role model is someone who scores goals from 25 yards out? 
Teams like Wolves r killin it with only 4 goals from open play? That's just not football anymore. I mean I'm happy 2 see teams like Sunderland crushin it in the playoffs, but come on, r we really relyin on set-pieces 2 much?
The stats are pretty shocking, 39 fewer goals in open play already! And Wolves, man... they're practically a non-scoring team when it comes to open-play goals 
. But seriously, something's gotta change or the league's gonna be all about dead-ball situations and not much else 
n not tryin hard enuf 2 score from open play goals 
. wolves r a good exampel of dis, theyve got like, 4 open-play goals in 11 games 
! whereas man city is doin the oppisite, all their goals r comin from open play 
. i think its time for them 2 get creative n find new ways 2 score 
. and yeah, the promotion/relegation storylines are intresting 
... but we gotta look closer @ the teams dat r doin this set-piece thing & figure out wha makin it happen 
And Manchester City's got a great story - who wouldn't want to score from open play like that? 
. its not all bad tho, some teams like man city r doing it well, but for those thats struggling, ur gotta dig deeper and find ways to mix things up 
. i mean, Sunderland scored more from open play despite getting promoted 
. And Wolves, man... four goals in 11 games is just crazy 
. I get it, tactics change and all that, but come on! The league needs some of that old-school flair back 
. Can we please just see some beautiful football again? 