Rise of Set-Piece Goals: Why Arsenal and Liverpool Rank as Best and Worst

In the 2025/26 Premier League season, set-piece goals have surged as a key tactical trend, with clubs increasingly exploiting dead-ball situations for scoring advantages. Arsenal leads the league as the undisputed best, boasting an impressive 40 set-piece goals, far ahead of rivals and powering their dominant position at the top of the table.[5][6] This prowess underscores Mikel Arteta's strategic emphasis on set pieces, described as the sport's most undervalued resource, amplified by Arsenal's world-class defense that concedes just 14 goals all season.[3]

Defenders like Gabriel epitomize Arsenal's set-piece threat, contributing crucial goals and assists while anchoring a backline that turns physicality into offensive weapons. Even with injuries and a €63.5 million center-forward signing (Viktor Gyökeres) underperforming, Arsenal's depth and set-piece efficiency have propelled them 14 points clear of fourth-placed Liverpool, maintaining an unbeaten run despite a recent goalless draw at the Emirates.[1][3] Early rankings showed Arsenal with 14 set-piece goals from throw-ins and corners, aided by specialist coach Thomas Gronnemark.[2]

Liverpool's Set-Piece Struggles

Contrastingly, Liverpool ranks dead last in set-piece goals with the fewest in the league (20th place), highlighting a glaring weakness amid their mid-table position.[4][7] Teams like Wolves (19th), Nottingham Forest (18th), Everton (17th), Burnley (16th), Fulham (15th), and Manchester City (14th) also lag, but Liverpool's poor output has contributed to their slide, now trailing Arsenal significantly.[3][4] Despite occasional highs, such as early-season wins, their inability to capitalize on set pieces has left them vulnerable, especially against Arsenal's mastery.

League-Wide Trends

Other top performers include Aston Villa (33 goals), Bournemouth (34), and Brentford (35), reflecting a broader embrace of set-piece coaching and analytics.[5][6] Mid-table sides like Manchester United (13 goals), Chelsea (12), and Leeds (12) show promise, but Arsenal's lead exemplifies how elite teams are revolutionizing tactics.[2] As the season progresses, this trend could widen gaps between innovators and laggards, with Arsenal setting the gold standard.[3]

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