The Premier League is evolving, and so is the art of winning. In a world where marginal gains decide titles, set-pieces have emerged as the secret weapon. But what does this mean for the average fan or Fantasy Premier League (FPL) manager? Let’s dive into the fascinating—and often misunderstood—world of set-piece strategy, player value, and the unexpected trends shaping the 2026-27 season.
The Set-Piece Revolution: Why It’s Bigger Than You Think
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: set-pieces are no longer just a footnote in the game. In the 2025-26 season, 27.4% of all goals came from non-penalty set-pieces—the second-highest in Premier League history. Corners alone accounted for 18% of goals, up from 12.1% the previous season. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a paradigm shift.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how teams are adapting. Over half of Premier League clubs now employ dedicated set-piece coaches, and their impact is undeniable. Take Austin MacPhee’s move from Aston Villa to Chelsea—a transfer that was reported with the same fanfare as a star player signing. This isn’t just about tactics; it’s about recognizing that set-pieces can be a game-changer.
But here’s the kicker: many fans still underestimate their importance. Personally, I think this oversight is a massive opportunity for astute FPL managers. Knowing which players take set-pieces—and which ones are most likely to benefit—could be the difference between a mediocre season and a league-topping one.
The Inswinging Corner: A Tactical Masterstroke
One thing that immediately stands out is the rise of the inswinging corner. Last season, there were 2,643 inswinging corners compared to just 541 outswingers. This isn’t just a random statistic; it’s a tactical evolution. Teams are prioritizing left-footed takers on the right side and right-footed takers on the left, maximizing the chances of a dangerous delivery.
What this really suggests is that traditional roles are blurring. Take Bruno Fernandes, for example. His 11 assists from set-pieces last season—a Premier League record—weren’t just about his skill; they were about Manchester United’s strategic use of inswinging corners. Seven of those assists came from first-time crosses, a testament to the system’s effectiveness.
But here’s where it gets interesting: this trend could disrupt player value. If a team signs a new left-footed specialist, the incumbent right-footed taker might see their set-piece duties—and FPL points—diminish. It’s a dynamic that Solio Analytics is already modeling, and it’s something every manager should keep an eye on.
The Bruno Fernandes Conundrum: Is He Worth £12.0m?
Bruno Fernandes is the poster boy for set-piece prowess, but is he worth his hefty price tag? His 21 assists last season were historic, but his £12.0m valuation in FPL is a gamble. Solio projects him to average 6.12 points per game in the first six gameweeks, second only to Erling Haaland. But here’s the catch: his value is heavily tied to his set-piece role.
What many people don’t realize is that United’s corner strategy could shift. With left-footed options like Bryan Mbeumo and Luke Shaw in the squad, Fernandes’ dominance from the right side might be challenged. If you take a step back and think about it, this could significantly impact his assist numbers—and his FPL returns.
Dominik Szoboszlai: The Set-Piece Wildcard
Dominik Szoboszlai is another player whose value hinges on set-piece dynamics. Last season, he took corners from both sides, sharing duties with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah. But with Salah gone and Gakpo potentially leaving, Szoboszlai’s role should expand, right? Not so fast.
The arrival of Andoni Iraola and his set-piece coaching staff at Liverpool complicates matters. Iraola’s Bournemouth team favored inswinging corners (96.4% of the time), and this could influence Liverpool’s approach. If the Reds adopt a similar strategy, Szoboszlai’s corner volume might not increase as expected.
A detail that I find especially interesting is Szoboszlai’s free-kick prowess. His 14 direct free-kick attempts last season were the most in the league, and he scored four times—a record only surpassed by David Beckham and Laurent Robert. This makes him a unique FPL asset, but his value could be diluted if Liverpool’s set-piece hierarchy shifts.
Declan Rice vs. Bruno Guimarães: The Arsenal Set-Piece Battle
Arsenal’s set-piece dominance last season was unparalleled, with 25 non-penalty set-piece goals. Declan Rice was at the heart of this, leading the team in corners, indirect free-kicks, and throw-ins. But the potential arrival of Bruno Guimarães raises questions.
Guimarães is a set-piece specialist in his own right, with a higher shot conversion rate from corners than Rice. While Arsenal’s strict routines might limit his impact, he could still eat into Rice’s numbers. This raises a deeper question: how will Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s set-piece coach, integrate Guimarães without disrupting the team’s success?
Igor Thiago: Overpriced or Underrated?
Igor Thiago’s 22 goals last season were impressive, but his £8.0m price tag feels steep. Much of his value comes from penalties—he took nine last season, scoring eight. But penalties are unpredictable, and Solio projects him to take fewer this season. Is he still worth the investment?
In my opinion, Thiago’s guaranteed playing time and goal-scoring ability make him a solid pick, but there are cheaper alternatives. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, for instance, is projected to outscore Thiago over the first 10 gameweeks despite costing £2m less. It’s a trade-off between consistency and value.
The Bigger Picture: Set-Pieces as a Cultural Shift
What this set-piece revolution really highlights is football’s evolving culture. The game is becoming more analytical, more strategic. Set-piece coaches are no longer just assistants; they’re architects of success. This shift isn’t just about goals; it’s about how we perceive the sport.
For FPL managers, this means adapting to a new reality. Understanding set-piece hierarchies, tactical trends, and player roles is now as important as tracking goals and assists. It’s a new layer of complexity, but also a new opportunity.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Set-Pieces
As we look ahead to the 2026-27 season, one thing is clear: set-pieces will continue to shape the Premier League. Whether it’s Bruno Fernandes’ record-breaking assists, Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick magic, or Arsenal’s set-piece dominance, these moments will define the season.
But the real question is: how will you adapt? Will you embrace the set-piece revolution, or will you stick to traditional metrics? Personally, I think the future belongs to those who see the game in all its complexity. After all, in football—as in life—the devil is in the details.
