Premier League’s most dangerous set-piece sides

The beautiful game can often be a mosaic of fluid motion and exquisitely executed athleticism, the Premier League as capable as any other division of producing world-class quality from open play. At other times, a more direct approach is needed and the value of the set-piece isn’t to be undervalued, often the quickest way of getting from Point A to Point B—in this context being the back of the net. So far this season, 85 goals have been scored from a dead ball situation, with some clubs proving particularly learned in the art of the set-piece. With that in mind, read on to find out which teams have made the most of their free kicks, corners and penalties at this stage of the campaign.

5. Chelsea – Five

Jose Mourinho’s side just about slip into the Premier League’s top five, tied on five set-piece goals scored with Aston Villa, West Brom and Fulham. Ironically enough, the controversial penalty Chelsea were awarded and converted against the Baggies is what puts them above the Birmingham outfit.

The Blues are one of only three sides to have netted two crossed free kicks this term, centre-backs Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry scoring headers to earn points against Aston Villa and Tottenham, respectively.

Frank Lampard grabbed the club’s only direct free kick goal of the campaign in their 2-0 opener against Hull City, a bullet effort true to the midfielder’s style.

4. Manchester United – Six

Manchester United scored the most set-piece goals of any Premier League club last season, so it’s only right that the Red Devils maintain a push in dead ball efficiency this term.

Wayne Rooney’s right boot means that David Moyes’ side are one of only two teams to have scored three direct free kicks thus far in the campaign. It was also the 28-year-old who grabbed one of the club’s two goals straight from a corner scenario, strike partner Robin van Persie notching the other with his well-publicised header against Arsenal.

The Dutchman rounds off United’s set-piece triumphs having converted Ashley Young’s controversially won penalty against West Brom, meaning it’s Moyes’ star strikers who are thankfully doing their job outside of open play, too.

3. Liverpool – Six

Liverpool didn’t receive a penalty for the first six matches of the season, but found that their spot kicks all came at once as Steven Gerrard snapped up two in two weeks against Crystal Palace and Newcastle United.

It’s corners that have been kindest to the Reds this season, however, with Daniel Sturridge converting two, while Martin Skrtel grabbed the third during the 4-0 routing of Fulham.

Just to ensure the SAS partnership maintains its prolific form, Luis Suarez has also gotten in the act, finishing a Steven Gerrard free kick against West Brom.

Those two penalties happen to be the only goals of Gerrard’s 2013/14 Premier League term, while four of his five assists have come from a dead ball situation.

2. Manchester City – Seven

Manchester City are of course the other team to have matched fierce rivals United in direct free kicks scored, a classic case of “anything you can do, I can do better.”

Yaya Toure has been Manuel Pellegrini’s equivalent of Rooney, bagging all three of those goals for himself.

Two of City’s three goals from corners this season came against Aston Villa, the Ivorian international once again getting on the score sheet along with Edin Dzeko, whose height came in handy despite his side losing the fixture 3-2.

Toure’s free kick habits are becoming something of a good luck charm for the team, too, considering they’ve always won by at least two goals every time he’s scored directly from one this season.

5. Southampton – Seven

So that’s Mauricio Pochettino’s secret, eh?

Southampton have found a superb mix of quality and quantity at the set piece during the 2013/14 term, netting at least one of each possible variation.

Rickie Lambert has grabbed a penalty in each of the Saints’ first and most recent meetings, as well as a direct free kick in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

However, the south coast club match City and Liverpool on three goals scored from corners this term, Lambert, Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana being the three heroes in that regard.

Pochettino is forming a well-regimented side at St. Mary’s, one that soaks up a lot of pressure but takes its chances when they see them, their set-piece efficiency being the ideal testament of that accuracy.