Premier League set-piece rankings 2025/26: from worst to best

Set-pieces are dominating the Premier League this season, with goals from corners, free-kicks, and penalties proving more crucial than ever. While some teams are still struggling to make dead-ball situations count, others have turned them into a key part of their attacking identity. Here’s how all 20 clubs rank—from the least effective to the best.

Manchester City (0 goals) – a shock at the bottom

Astonishingly, Manchester City sit at the foot of the set-piece table with zero goals from dead-ball situations. Despite Erling Haaland's presence and their usual attacking dominance, Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t managed a single goal from a corner, free-kick, or penalty so far.

Wolves (2 goals) – tall targets, little return

Wolves have struggled early this season, and their set-piece output reflects that. With just two goals, new boss Vitor Pereira couldn't build on last year’s survival heroics, though Jorgen Strand Larsen’s height gives them hope for more as the season progresses.

West Ham (2 goals) – once feared, now quiet

Traditionally a set-piece powerhouse, West Ham have dropped off sharply. Despite Tomas Soucek's continued presence, the Hammers have only two goals to show so far, with Jarrod Bowen providing the lone highlight with a header from a well-placed delivery.

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Aston Villa (2 goals) – lacking consistency

Unai Emery’s side haven’t capitalized much from dead-ball moments, managing just two goals. Matty Cash and Amadou Onana have found the net from corners, but for a team with size and skill, Villa will be disappointed with their low tally.

Liverpool (2 goals) – underperforming at set-pieces

Liverpool have only scored twice from set-pieces this season: a free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai and a penalty from Mohamed Salah. With aerial threats like Virgil van Dijk in the squad, Arne Slot will expect this number to rise significantly.

Nottingham Forest (2 goals) – looking to Dyche for a boost

After a chaotic managerial shuffle, Sean Dyche has taken charge and will aim to maximise set-piece potential. With aerial players like Chris Wood and Nikola Milenkovic, Forest’s total of two could climb under Dyche’s direct approach.

Fulham (2 goals) – talented, but still building

Fulham have attacking threats in Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz, but Marco Silva’s men have only converted two set-pieces so far. With skilful dribblers in their ranks, they could also become a strong penalty-winning side as the season continues.

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Everton (3 goals) – Moyes brings the basics back

David Moyes has reintroduced an emphasis on set-pieces at Everton, and it’s starting to show. Michael Keane’s goal against West Ham was classic Toffees fare, with deliveries from James Garner proving particularly effective.

Burnley (3 goals) – old habits, new manager

Back under Scott Parker, Burnley’s roots in set-piece strength still shine through. Though not as dominant as under Sean Dyche, three set-piece goals reflect a team that knows how to exploit fine margins in tight matches.

Brentford (4 goals) – returning to their strengths

Brentford continue to pose danger from long throws and penalties. Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho have been on the scoresheet, and new manager Keith Andrews seems keen to revive the Bees’ reputation as a dead-ball threat.

Sunderland (4 goals) – fighting with set-pieces

The newly promoted side has used set-pieces wisely in their fight for survival. Granit Xhaka’s dangerous deliveries and Omar Alderete’s headed finish are early signs that Sunderland are serious about staying up.

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Newcastle United (4 goals) – finding new focal points

Without Alexander Isak, Newcastle have still produced four goals from set-pieces, with Nick Woltemade stepping up. His penalty and aerial presence suggest the Magpies will remain competitive from dead-ball opportunities.

Tottenham Hotspur (5 goals) – tactical shift pays off

New boss Thomas Frank has instilled a focus on set-pieces, and Spurs already have five goals to show for it. With Kevin Danso’s long throws and Romero’s attacking headers, Spurs are benefiting from a more direct approach.

Leeds United (5 goals) – physicality helping the cause

Leeds have leaned heavily on set-pieces to compete this season, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin a key figure. Daniel Farke’s side started the campaign with a penalty win and have continued to threaten in the air.

Manchester United (6 goals) – aerial power returns

Despite criticism earlier in the season, United have quietly become a real set-piece force. Harry Maguire and Benjamin Sesko provide dominance in the box, with goals against Liverpool and Forest underlining their threat.

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Bournemouth (6 goals) – intensity with precision

Andoni Iraola’s high-energy Bournemouth side hasn’t ignored the basics. Six goals from set-pieces, including a recent strike from Tyler Adams, show they’re maximising their chances even while pressing opponents.

Brighton & Hove Albion (6 goals) – veterans delivering

Brighton have found success from the spot and free-kicks alike, with Matt O’Riley and James Milner among the scorers. Their combination of youth and experience continues to pay off in dead-ball situations.

Crystal Palace (8 goals) – set-piece specialists

Oliver Glasner’s Eagles are flying from set-plays, scoring eight times already. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eddie Nketiah, and chaos-inducing throw-ins have made Palace one of the most dangerous teams from these situations.

Chelsea (9 goals) – precision and flair combined

Chelsea have found an edge with their well-drilled routines and standout individual efforts. Pedro Neto’s free-kick and Joao Pedro’s early-season goals highlight a squad that knows how to make set-pieces count.

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Arsenal (12 goals) – top of the set-piece tree

Arsenal lead the way with 12 goals, thanks to specialist coach Nicolas Jover and top delivery from Declan Rice. Gabriel’s movement and finishing have made them a nightmare for defenders at corners and free-kicks, as they continue to turn dead-ball moments into gold.