The Evolution of Set Pieces in the Premier League: Perspectives from Clichy

In the 2025-26 Premier League season, the use of free kicks, long throws, and corners has significantly increased in popularity. Once regarded as a sign of weakness for teams overly reliant on set pieces—often due to deficiencies in open play—these tactics have now become commonplace across all 20 clubs in the league.

However, this resurgence has divided football fans on whether the newfound emphasis on set pieces is beneficial for the sport or an undesirable trend that ought to be eliminated. While some view this strategy as a refreshing development, others argue that it has detracted from the overall aesthetic of the game.

Gaël Clichy, who enjoyed an eight-year tenure at Arsenal from 2003 to 2011, believes that English football has deteriorated as a result of these changes. He proposes a potential solution to encourage more teams to adopt an attacking style of play.

In an interview with The Athletic, Clichy stated, “Unless we change the rules to encourage teams to play offensive football, that could become a problem. For instance, if you are losing 4-2, but scoring a third goal counts for 0.5 points, it would mean you can still gain something from the match rather than simply defending, which is counterproductive to the love of the game.

“Implementing changes is often met with resistance. When discussing ideas like 0.5 points for a goal or transitioning from throw-ins to kick-ins, people might laugh. However, remember that years ago, the proposal to prohibit back-passes to goalkeepers was also met with skepticism because change can be uncomfortable.”

Currently, Arsenal, Clichy’s former club, has taken the lead in executing effective corner strategies, directed by manager Mikel Arteta and bolstered by the aerial prowess of defender Gabriel Magalhães, instilling fear in their opponents with each set-piece opportunity. Clichy acknowledges that Arteta has made Arsenal more physical compared to the style under former manager Arsène Wenger, yet he refrains from criticizing Arteta for altering the club’s approach.

“Mikel has changed the perception of Arsenal,” Clichy noted. “In the Premier League, underestimating the physicality and set-piece moments of the game can lead to significant issues. Mikel has done what he deemed necessary for Arsenal to secure victories.

“Currently, they are at the top of the league, yet some argue that they are not playing the ‘Arsenal way.’ This notion is nonsensical. The true ‘Arsenal way’ is winning trophies. Regardless of how they win, fans will ultimately be satisfied.

“We often reminisce about Wenger’s Arsenal and their beautiful football two decades later. However, the game, the league, and the generation of players have all changed. It is misguided to expect Manchester United to replicate the DNA of Sir Alex Ferguson’s era and compare it to the current squad. The challenge lies not with the coach but with those who cling to bygone comparisons.

“If Arsenal wins 1-0 via a set piece, that alone validates their strategy. We must accept that the coach has a different vision. Ultimately, winning is what matters because that is when everyone acknowledges the success.”

As the Premier League resumes following the international break, Arsenal aims to maintain their set-piece effectiveness. Currently sitting atop the table, Arteta’s squad will host Tottenham in the highly anticipated north London derby at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday. Tottenham, under manager Thomas Frank, is positioned fifth in the standings, trailing their rivals by eight points.