Discover the fascinating evolution of set-pieces in football, diving into how analytics shape strategies and influence decision-making. Explore the effectiveness of out-swinging versus in-swinging corners and the impact of specialized coaches on player performance. Learn about standout talents like Megan Campbell and Ben Tozer who make set-piece threats a game-changing factor. Plus, uncover statistical trends of set-piece goals in the Premier League and what this means for future World Cup competitions.
The podcast discusses the evolving definition of set-piece goals, emphasizing the distinction between direct goals and those generated from subsequent plays.
Analytics have fundamentally transformed the approach to set pieces in football, leading clubs to prioritize set-piece specialists and refined strategies.
Set pieces are crucial in international competitions, often resulting in a significant percentage of tournament goals that can influence match outcomes.
Deep dives
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Unai Emery's Tactical Approach at Aston Villa
Unai Emery's appointment as Aston Villa's new manager is seen as a positive step for the club, given his meticulous and tactical approach to management. His previous experience in high-stakes competitions, such as reaching the Champions League semifinals, suggests that he will be effective in maximizing the potential of Villa's squad. His managerial tenure has often been marked by adaptability to the opposition's strategies, although it’s noted that such flexibility can sometimes backfire. The expectation is that Emery will bring a more structured and focused game plan to a team that has struggled with coherence in both defense and attack.
Defining Set Pieces and Their Impact
The podcast delves into the definition of set pieces within football, emphasizing the nuances of what qualifies as a set piece goal. Throughout discussions, the hosts explore statistical classifications provided by data companies, focusing on phases of play following dead-ball situations like corners, free-kicks, and throw-ins. The complexity arises from distinguishing between direct goals from set pieces versus those created from subsequent plays, adding depth to the analysis of effective set piece strategies. Ultimately, establishing a clear definition supports better understanding and analysis of set piece effectiveness in games.
Evolution of Set Piece Strategies
There has been a notable evolution in how football teams approach set pieces, with analytics playing a critical role in this shift. The utilization of data has led clubs to invest in set-piece specialists, reflecting a growing recognition of their potential impact on match outcomes. Historically underestimated, set pieces now account for a significant share of goals in professional football, prompting teams to refine their routines and strategies. The podcast highlights teams that have excelled in this area, such as Brentford and Fulham, showcasing successful implementations of analytics to enhance their set piece performance.
Set Piece Goals in International Tournaments
The importance of set pieces becomes magnified in international competitions like the World Cup, where teams often emphasize set piece training due to time constraints before matches. Historical data indicates that a considerable portion of tournament goals result from set pieces, suggesting their critical role in tight matches. The podcast references past tournaments, noting trends and statistics that reveal the frequency and success rate of set piece goals over the years. This analysis indicates that effective set piece execution can often be the difference between advancing in tournaments and early exits, making it a vital aspect of international football strategy.
Host Ali Maxwell is joined, as usual, by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to investigate the stats behind set-pieces and how they have evolved as the influence of data and analytics has grown...
Precisely what constitutes a set-piece goal, how decision-making has been impacted, are out-swinging or in-swinging corners more effective in the Premier League and who are the best and worst exploiters?
Plus, Megan Campbell, of Liverpool Women, and her extraordinary throw-ins, Ben Tozer's threat in League Two, why Michael has been impressed by Fulham this season and which countries possess the biggest World Cup set-piece threats?
