Set-piece kings and strugglers: Ranking every Premier League team’s dead-ball threat in 2025/26

Set-pieces are once again becoming one of the Premier League’s most dangerous weapons, and the 2025/26 season has proven that dead-ball moments can define matches. Corners, free-kicks and penalties have become decisive tools for teams trying to gain an edge in a highly competitive league. From Arsenal’s ruthless precision to Manchester City’s surprising struggles, here’s a full breakdown of how every Premier League club has fared so far this season when it comes to scoring from set-pieces.

20. Manchester City – 0 Goals

It’s almost unthinkable that a side as dominant as Manchester City has failed to find the net from a single set-piece this season. Pep Guardiola’s men, led by Erling Haaland, have yet to convert from a corner, free-kick, or even a penalty. Despite controlling games and producing waves of attacks, their lack of success from dead-ball situations stands out as a rare weakness. With the amount of talent at their disposal, though, few would bet against City fixing that sooner rather than later.

19. Wolves – 2 Goals

Wolves’ struggles this season have extended to their set-piece play, with just two goals from dead-ball situations so far. Manager Vitor Pereira faces a tough task keeping the Molineux outfit afloat, and capitalising on set-pieces could prove crucial in that fight. With towering striker Jørgen Strand Larsen in their ranks, Wolves have the potential to cause more damage from corners and free-kicks. For now, though, their set-piece returns mirror their broader inconsistency.

18. West Ham United – 2 Goals

Once a side feared for their set-piece prowess, West Ham have lost some of their edge in this department. Tomas Soucek remains a constant threat, but under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo, the Hammers are still finding their rhythm. Their goals so far have come through Jarrod Bowen’s header and a penalty, but they’ll need to rediscover their old intensity in the air. West Ham fans will hope that the Portuguese coach can help them return to being one of the league’s most physical and dangerous set-piece teams.

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17. Aston Villa – 2 Goals

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have not quite replicated their usual efficiency when it comes to set-pieces. A creative short-corner routine led to Matty Cash scoring earlier in the campaign, but otherwise, Villa have lacked bite in these moments. The return of Amadou Onana could help boost their aerial presence and threat from free-kicks. If Villa want to keep pace with the top six, they’ll need to make more of the fine margins that set-pieces offer.

16. Liverpool – 2 Goals

Liverpool’s two set-piece goals this season have both come in dramatic fashion. Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick against Arsenal and Mohamed Salah’s injury-time penalty against Burnley secured vital wins for Arne Slot’s side. With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté regularly venturing forward for corners, it’s only a matter of time before the Reds climb higher up this list. Their combination of technical quality and aerial power gives them every chance to improve in the months ahead.

15. Nottingham Forest – 2 Goals

It’s been a chaotic campaign for Nottingham Forest, who have already seen multiple managerial changes. With Sean Dyche now at the helm, set-pieces could become a major weapon in their survival bid. Players like Chris Wood and Nikola Milenkovic offer real height and aggression, perfectly suited for Dyche’s direct approach. If Forest can improve their delivery and organisation, they’ll likely see their tally increase as the season unfolds.

14. Fulham – 2 Goals

Fulham have quietly turned themselves into a solid mid-table force, but set-pieces haven’t been their main strength so far. Marco Silva’s side, without Aleksandar Mitrović, now rely on the likes of Raúl Jiménez and Rodrigo Muniz to convert aerial chances. With flair players like the Iwobi brothers drawing fouls in dangerous areas, Fulham could also win more penalties over time. There’s plenty of potential in this area — it’s just about turning those opportunities into goals.

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13. Everton – 3 Goals

David Moyes’ return to Everton has seen the Toffees return to their old-school identity: physical, organised, and dangerous from set-pieces. Michael Keane’s header from a James Garner delivery epitomised the new approach. With towering defenders like James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton’s threat from corners is clear. As the season continues, expect Moyes to double down on those qualities to grind out crucial points.

12. Burnley – 3 Goals

Burnley’s Premier League survival has often depended on their ability to dominate from set-pieces, and that remains true under Scott Parker. They’ve already scored three times from dead-ball situations, showing flashes of their old resilience. While Parker encourages more possession-based football, he knows the importance of making the most of corners and free-kicks. That balance could be key to keeping the Clarets in the top flight.

11. Brentford – 4 Goals

Brentford continue to prove that smart organisation and well-rehearsed routines can level the playing field. Their four set-piece goals have come from a mix of penalties and long-throw routines that hark back to the old-school approach. Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho have both benefited from clever movements and second-ball awareness. With new boss Keith Andrews continuing the legacy of Thomas Frank, the Bees remain a danger from any dead-ball situation.

10. Sunderland – 4 Goals

Newly promoted Sunderland have adapted impressively to life in the Premier League, and their success from set-pieces has been a big part of it. Granit Xhaka’s delivery has been a consistent weapon, while Omar Alderete’s header against Nottingham Forest proved how dangerous they can be. The Black Cats’ organisation and belief underlines their confidence as they fight for survival. If they continue this way, they’ll be a difficult side to defend against.

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9. Newcastle United – 4 Goals

Newcastle’s summer changes looked risky, but the emergence of Nick Woltemade has helped them stay competitive. The German forward has brought a new aerial presence to their attack, adding a valuable dimension at set-pieces. With Kieran Trippier’s deliveries still among the best in the league, the Magpies have a foundation to build on. Their mix of power and precision makes them a continuing threat from corners and free-kicks.

8. Manchester United – 4 Goals

Amid a turbulent season, Manchester United have quietly become one of the more effective teams from set-pieces. Their dramatic winner against Liverpool came from a recycled corner finished by Harry Maguire, showing the benefits of persistence and physicality. With Bruno Fernandes’ pinpoint crossing and Benjamin Šeško’s aerial dominance, United have the right tools to stay dangerous. It’s an area that has offered some positivity in what has otherwise been a mixed campaign.

7. Tottenham Hotspur – 5 Goals

Thomas Frank’s influence at Tottenham is already clear, with Spurs embracing a far more structured set-piece strategy. The addition of Kevin Danso’s long throws and Cristian Romero’s aggression in the box has paid dividends. Micky van de Ven has already chipped in with goals from corners, underlining how much emphasis has been placed on this area. Tottenham now look like a team that can hurt opponents in multiple ways, not just through open play.

6. Leeds United – 5 Goals

Leeds United’s return to the Premier League has been boosted by their ability to capitalise on dead-ball moments. Daniel Farke’s side opened their campaign with a penalty from Lukas Nmecha, setting the tone for what’s been a smart and organised approach. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit and firing, Leeds have a genuine target man who thrives on aerial service. If they maintain their set-piece sharpness, survival could be comfortably achieved.

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5. Bournemouth – 5 Goals

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth continue to impress with their mix of flair and efficiency. While they’re known for their high-energy pressing game, their five set-piece goals highlight how well-drilled they are in all areas. Antoine Semenyo has been a consistent threat, while the Cherries’ clever movement has caused problems for most defences. Their balance between creativity and discipline makes them one of the season’s standout mid-table performers.

4. Crystal Palace – 6 Goals

Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace have picked up where they left off last season, with six goals from set-pieces reflecting their strength and confidence. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ismaila Sarr, and Eddie Nketiah have all contributed, while Marc Guéhi’s long throws add an extra element of unpredictability. The FA Cup winners are a nightmare to defend against when the ball is in the air. Glasner’s tactical precision continues to bring the best out of his squad.

3. Brighton & Hove Albion – 6 Goals

Brighton’s set-piece success speaks to their evolving tactical maturity under Roberto De Zerbi. They’ve scored from both penalties and well-worked free-kicks, with James Milner and Matt O’Riley among the contributors. Their creativity in dead-ball situations mirrors their general approach — calculated, intelligent, and technically sound. It’s another example of how Brighton continue to punch above their weight through smart coaching and execution.

2. Chelsea – 9 Goals

Chelsea have added another layer to their attack under Enzo Maresca, becoming deadly from set-pieces once again. With players like Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto capable of producing pinpoint deliveries, the Blues have turned dead-ball moments into a reliable source of goals. Their blend of physicality and technical skill makes them one of the toughest sides to defend against in these scenarios. As they chase a top-four finish, their set-piece efficiency could prove decisive.

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1. Arsenal – 11 Goals

No team in England has mastered the art of the set-piece quite like Arsenal. Nicolas Jover’s coaching has transformed the Gunners into a relentless force from corners and free-kicks, with Gabriel Magalhães often at the heart of the chaos. Declan Rice’s precision from dead-ball deliveries has also become a huge asset. With 11 goals already, Arsenal’s dominance in this department is not just impressive — it’s title-winning material.