How the Premier League table would change if only open play goals counted
Set-pieces are now a defining part of Premier League football — but what if they weren’t? Removing all goals scored from corners, free-kicks, penalties, and throw-ins paints a fascinating picture of how the table would shift. From title contenders dropping out of the top four to relegation battlers surging up the table, here’s how the standings would look if only open play goals counted — starting from 20th to 1st.
20. Wolves – still rock bottom
Wolves remain firmly planted at the bottom of the league, even with all set-piece goals removed. Vítor Pereira’s side continue to struggle, and their lack of attacking quality is clear regardless of how the goals come.
19. Nottingham Forest – still in trouble
Forest would also be in the relegation zone despite gaining a point without set-piece goals, due to Omar Alderete’s header being disallowed in this scenario. Their chaotic season under Evangelos Marinakis’s watch shows no signs of improving.
18. West Ham – not spared by open play
West Ham still find themselves in the bottom three, although they would gain three extra points in this adjusted table. Disallowed set-piece goals by Everton and Leeds work in their favour — but not enough to escape danger.
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17. Leeds United – survival still uncertain
Leeds lose points without set-piece goals, particularly Joe Rodon’s decisive headers. Their strong return to the Premier League remains credible, but without dead-ball dominance, they slip closer to the drop.
16. Everton – hit hard without set-pieces
David Moyes’ Everton side would lose four valuable points, making them one of the most affected teams. Their aerial threat has been a key part of their game, and without it, their place in the table worsens significantly.
15. Brentford – long throws, short return
Brentford’s reliance on throw-ins and deliveries into the box backfires in this scenario. Without Dango Ouattara’s and other set-piece goals, the Bees drop down, revealing their dependence on structured routines over open play.
14. Fulham – marginally better off
Fulham gain two points thanks to set-piece goals being ruled out, such as Trossard’s corner goal for Arsenal. Despite a poor season overall, the Cottagers slightly benefit from this alternate setup.
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13. Brighton – possession pays off
Brighton’s fluid, progressive style serves them well in a table without set-pieces. Their emphasis on open play has helped them stay competitive, even under new boss Fabian Hürzeler.
12. Manchester United – losing their edge
United would lose points in this version of the table, notably Harry Maguire’s winner from a corner at Anfield. Though improved under Rúben Amorim, their set-piece strength has been vital — and without it, they slide.
11. Crystal Palace – steady in mid-table
Palace remain mid-table even with set-piece goals excluded. Eddie Nketiah’s winner against Liverpool would be removed, but the Eagles’ overall stability under Oliver Glasner keeps them afloat.
10. Aston Villa – slipping slightly
Villa would lose a few points, notably Matty Cash’s set-piece winner against Manchester City. Despite Unai Emery’s strong run of form, the absence of those crucial goals pushes them down slightly.
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9. Newcastle United – one point better off
Newcastle gain a point in this new table, as Gabriel’s late winner for Arsenal no longer counts. With Nick Woltemade firing up front, the Magpies look a stronger open-play team than many expected.
8. Sunderland – the fairytale dips
Sunderland’s dream return to the Premier League takes a hit here, with Granit Xhaka’s set-piece contributions wiped from the record. They lose four points and slip away from the top four race.
7. Burnley – big beneficiaries
Scott Parker’s Burnley benefit most in this alternate world, gaining four points. Key penalties from opponents like Manchester United and Liverpool are erased, propelling them into the European spots.
6. Arsenal – title hopes derailed
No team loses more ground than Arsenal, whose mastery of set-pieces has defined their campaign. With Gabriel's goals and Trossard's winner removed, the Gunners fall out of the top four entirely.
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5. Bournemouth – still in the mix
Bournemouth lose two points but remain well-placed, thanks to their strong open play performances. Andoni Iraola’s tactical setup has kept them competitive, even without dead-ball success.
4. Chelsea – climbing the ladder
Chelsea gain extra points from erased set-piece goals against them, like Brentford’s late equaliser and Casemiro’s strike. Enzo Maresca’s side would break into the top four in this version of the league.
3. Liverpool – back in the hunt
Arne Slot’s frustrations with set-piece defending are validated here, as Liverpool would gain three points. Goals against from Brentford, Palace, and United no longer count, lifting the Reds into third.
2. Manchester City – flawless in open play
City have not scored from a single set-piece all season — and it pays off big in this adjusted table. With two extra points earned from set-piece goals against them being ruled out, they jump into second place.
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1. Tottenham Hotspur – open play kings
Despite being solid from dead balls, Spurs rise to the top purely on open play performance. Thomas Frank’s influence is clear, and his balanced attacking approach makes Tottenham the biggest winners in this alternate Premier League.
