The Premier League has become enamoured with set pieces this season, much to the chagrin of spectators.
Open play goals are down as coaches increasingly look to dead balls to unlock defences. It’s gotten to the point where set-piece coaches have become mini celebrities within the English game.
Which teams are the most successful at set plays, though? Here are the sides who have scored the most goals from such situations, not including penalties.
Premier League teams with the most set-piece goals so far this season:
5. Leeds United – 13
Daniel Farke has proved everyone wrong by showing he can indeed adapt as a coach. His Leeds side have been far more defensively disciplined than expected, while set pieces have helped them gain crucial points in their bid to survive.
Anton Stach has been exceptional from dead ball situations, with three of his four goals this season coming from direct free kicks.
🎯 OH MY WORD! ANTON STACH! pic.twitter.com/HUWTCn4chZ
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 21, 2026
5. Bournemouth – 13
Another fine season for Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola has been aided by their proficiency from set pieces. Marcus Tavernier has been a real threat from set pieces this season, and even scored an Olimpico against Nottingham Forest back in October.
=2. Spurs – 14
Tottenham Hotspur have done a complete 180 on set pieces. Following Ange Postecoglou’s insistence that they would not be a priority for the team, Thomas Frank turned them into a key source of goals.
The problem is, they have done a poor job of scoring from open play, especially since the New Year, which has put them in a relegation battle.
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=2. Man Utd – 14
Michael Carrick has become the latest disciple of the Premier League’s most debated trend, employing the so-called Meatwall at every corner. The interim boss says he is not a fan of the increased grappling and pulling at corners that has entered the English game, but it’s a necessary evil at this stage.
Turning set pieces into goals helps when you’ve got Bruno Fernandes, one of the best crossers in the sport.
=2. Newcastle United – 14
It’s hardly a shock to find Newcastle so high up on this list, but it’s a tad surprising to see that they have generated the most expected goals (15.75xG) from set-piece situations. Even more than the team on top of our list…
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1. Arsenal – 19
Wow, bet you didn’t see that coming. The work of Nicolas Jover has continued unabated this season, buttressing Arsenal’s title challenge.
The Gunners have scored a whopping 16 goals from corners this season, the joint-most in a single season and they still have nine games to go. They have scored 21 league goals from set pieces in total, if you include penalties.
Across all competitions Arsenal have converted set plays into goals on 31 occasions.
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