The Premier League is witnessing a decline in open-play goals, with teams increasingly relying on set-pieces and penalties to score. According to data from the first 11 games of this season compared to last year, there have been 39 fewer goals scored in open play and 26 more from team-set pieces and penalties. This trend has also led to a decrease in overall goals scored, averaging just 2.74 per game if it continued throughout the season.
However, some teams are bucking the trend. Wolves, for example, have seen a significant decline in open-play goals, scoring just four in their first 11 games. In contrast, Manchester City have increased their open-play goal tally, with all but one of their 23 goals coming from this source.
The London teams, on the other hand, are leading the charge in set-piece goals, with five out of seven sides scoring at least five fewer goals from open play than last season. However, it is worth noting that these teams also scored many more goals at the start of last season, which skews the statistics slightly.
The reason behind this shift towards set-pieces is largely due to the way managers are using their resources. Sunderland, who won promotion via the playoffs, have increased their open-play goal tally by three compared to Southampton's first 11 games on their way to relegation last season.
Arsenal and Chelsea have also seen significant increases in set-piece goals, with both teams having replaced the five fewer goals scored from open play with the same number from dead-ball situations.
However, some teams are bucking the trend. Wolves, for example, have seen a significant decline in open-play goals, scoring just four in their first 11 games. In contrast, Manchester City have increased their open-play goal tally, with all but one of their 23 goals coming from this source.
The London teams, on the other hand, are leading the charge in set-piece goals, with five out of seven sides scoring at least five fewer goals from open play than last season. However, it is worth noting that these teams also scored many more goals at the start of last season, which skews the statistics slightly.
The reason behind this shift towards set-pieces is largely due to the way managers are using their resources. Sunderland, who won promotion via the playoffs, have increased their open-play goal tally by three compared to Southampton's first 11 games on their way to relegation last season.
Arsenal and Chelsea have also seen significant increases in set-piece goals, with both teams having replaced the five fewer goals scored from open play with the same number from dead-ball situations.
I mean, it makes sense that teams are relying more on set-pieces nowadays, but 39 fewer goals in open play over just 11 games? That's like, what, a whole season's worth of difference right there? 
And the fact that some teams are bucking the trend just seems too convenient. I need to see some stats or data on how these teams are specifically adapting their tactics to be more effective in open play... can't just assume they're magically scoring more without any changes to their game plan 
Need some more context or evidence before I start drawing conclusions... 
it's like a slower game or something 
but at the same time, i guess teams are just getting better at scoring from those kinds of situations... Manchester City is doing it right tho, they're still finding ways to create chances in open play 
It's actually kinda brilliant how some teams are adapting to the system. Wolves' decline in open-play goals is wild, but I guess it makes sense if they're focusing more on defensive solidity. The London teams are also doing their thing with set-pieces, and I'm not surprised - they've got some talented players who can whip in a decent cross 
. Maybe this trend will lead to some exciting end-of-season playoffs? 
Think about it, all these top teams are suddenly shifting their strategy to rely on set-pieces and penalties? It's like they're trying to manipulate the game or something! Manchester City is doing it, Arsenal and Chelsea are doing it... what's up with that? Are they getting some sort of inside info? Or maybe they're just copying each other because of the influence of coaches and sports marketing? And don't even get me started on the London teams... they all seem to be going in the same direction. It's almost like a coordinated effort to change the way the game is played! 
️ The way managers are using set-pieces is super interesting 
.
- less emphasis on individual skill and more on clever set-piece arrangements 
. Not all bad though 
, as it highlights the importance of teamwork and strategy 
.
it's like managers are trying to make it easier for defenders rather than actual scorers! wolves and man city are doing the right thing by still focusing on open play, but the rest of the teams are just phoning it in. london teams need to calm down with all the set-piece goals or it's gonna be a boring season 