Revving Up Set-Piece Strategies: A Modern Necessity in Football

Welcome to My Column on Tactical Evolution

As we dive into the rhythms and complexities of modern football, it's an exciting time to explore the dynamics on the pitch. The tactical evolution that we're witnessing today presents an opportunity to celebrate strategies that may have once been deemed outdated. Set-pieces, once dismissed as a relic of 'old-school' tactics, have returned front and center this season.

In my inaugural column, Going Direct, I want to tackle how today's managers, like Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, have recognized that effective set-piece strategies can substantially influence outcomes. I've long been a proponent of the belief that when it comes to winning matches, attacking and defending set-pieces should command as much attention as the conventional play in open spaces.

Set-Pieces: Not Just a Distant Memory

Reflecting on my time at Stoke City, I can still remember the skepticism surrounding my emphasis on dead-ball situations when we were promoted to the Premier League in 2008. Critics labeled me a 'dinosaur', as I relied heavily on long throws and tactical formations that revolved around set-pieces. Yet, here we are, with numerous managers placing significant weight on the very aspects that I championed nearly two decades ago.

The data speaks for itself: last season, over 20% of non-penalty goals in the Premier League were the result of corners or free-kicks. It's no wonder that teams are prioritizing set-piece training and execution to turn tight draws into hard-fought victories.

• Recognize the importance of clean sheets.
• Convert set-pieces into goal-scoring opportunities.
• Utilize innovative training to perfect placements and strategies.

Why Set-Pieces Matter Now More Than Ever

As I analyze the current landscape of football, it's clear that teams are benefiting immensely from refining their set-piece plays. Just as I emphasized to my teams in the past, the goal is simple: maintain a solid defense and capitalize when you have the ball in the opposition's half. It's a balance that many managers are pursuing, especially those who, like Arteta, have a talent-rich squad.

“Fashions may change, but what truly matters is winning.”

Arsenal, under Arteta's guidance, is a prime example of a club embracing old-school tactics while aiming to secure a prominent position in the table. Amid predictions of stale strategies, it's refreshing to witness clubs challenging these conventions by tapping into the underappreciated aspects of the game.

The Lessons of History: Learning from the Past

I must highlight how the recent success of teams like Arsenal, Tottenham, and Brentford stem from recognizing the intrinsic value of set-pieces that managers of the past—like myself—have championed. It's intriguing to see how perceptions change over time; what was once mocked is now being celebrated as a smart tactical maneuver.

Embracing Set-Piece Tactics Is the Way Forward

Every manager faces external noise and scrutiny for their methods, yet the ultimate reward of winning continues to drown out the din. For example, the Arsenal supporters recently rallied behind Eberechi Eze's winning goal, showcasing the backing that comes from effective set-piece execution.

While I appreciate the evolution of football, I find myself admiring how coaches, including Arteta and Thomas Frank at Brentford, have adopted strategies that were once criticized. Success stems from ensuring that each game does not rely solely on open play but also utilizes every aspect of the game, including well-crafted set-pieces.

Conclusion: A New Era of Tactical Awareness

As we continue down this path of tactical exploration, it's clear that what was once old can indeed be new again. The current renaissance of set-pieces is not merely a trend, but a crucial component of effective football strategy that demands attention. I'm eager to dive deeper into these themes in my upcoming columns, ultimately shaping the conversation around the evolving landscape of football tactics.

So stay tuned as we peel back the layers of what makes today's game not only a competition of talent but also a rich tapestry of strategies, where every play matters, and where every goal—whether by foot or by head—counts significantly.