The Inswinging Revolution: How Liverpool and the Premier League are Rethinking Set Pieces
Arne Slot’s recent comments following Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland highlighted a subtle but significant shift in approach: a focus on set-piece efficiency. While a win is a win, Slot acknowledged the demand to convert more opportunities, a sentiment echoed by the team’s improved performance from corners. This isn’t just a Liverpool story; it’s a league-wide trend, driven by data and a desire to exploit every marginal gain.
From Outswingers to the ‘Meat Wall’
For years, the outswinging corner was the standard. However, recent data reveals a growing preference for inswinging deliveries. Liverpool, previously lagging behind with an inswinging percentage of just 49.4%, have dramatically increased this to 82.5% in their last four Premier League games. This change isn’t accidental. It’s a calculated move to target the most dangerous area: the six-yard box.
The logic is simple. An inswinger’s trajectory naturally curves towards the goal, creating opportunities for close-range headers and deflections. This is further amplified by the increasingly popular tactic of “packing the six-yard box” – flooding the area with attackers to overwhelm defenders and the goalkeeper. Analyst Michael Caley has dubbed this the “meat wall,” and its effectiveness is becoming increasingly apparent.
The Impact of Tactical Shifts and Personnel
Liverpool’s change in approach coincides with the departure of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs at the finish of December. While correlation doesn’t equal causation, the timing is noteworthy. The team’s subsequent performances demonstrate a clear commitment to the inswinging delivery, exemplified by Virgil van Dijk’s winning goal against Sunderland, headed in from a Mohamed Salah corner.
The success isn’t solely about the delivery; it’s about the occupation of space. Liverpool’s corners now consistently feature a minimum of three players attacking the near post, creating chaos and making it difficult for defenders to clear. This contrasts with earlier attempts where players often started their runs from outside the six-yard box, allowing defenders more time to react.
Data Backs Up the Trend
The shift towards inswinging corners isn’t unique to Liverpool. Across the Premier League, the number of corners delivered into the six-yard box has risen steadily over the past five seasons. Currently, 4.72 corners per game are aimed at this area, a testament to the growing belief in its effectiveness. Data shows that inswinging corners have a higher success rate, converting into goals 5% of the time compared to 3.6% for outswingers.
This data-driven approach reflects a broader trend in modern football, where marginal gains are relentlessly pursued. Set pieces, often considered a secondary phase of play, are now recognized as a crucial opportunity to unlock defenses and secure vital goals.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Set Pieces
The inswinging revolution is likely to continue. Teams will refine their techniques, experiment with different player positioning and leverage data analytics to identify optimal delivery angles and target areas. One can expect to see:
- Increased Specialization: More clubs will invest in dedicated set-piece coaches to analyze opponents and develop tailored strategies.
- Advanced Data Analytics: Teams will utilize sophisticated data models to predict the outcome of corners and free kicks, optimizing player placement and delivery techniques.
- Greater Emphasis on Physicality: Winning aerial duels in the six-yard box will become even more critical, rewarding teams with physically imposing players.
- Innovation in Delivery: Expect to see variations in inswinging deliveries, including driven corners and disguised set plays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an inswinging corner?
A: A corner kick delivered with curve towards the goal, aiming to create opportunities for headers and deflections within the six-yard box.
Q: Why are teams switching to inswinging corners?
A: Data suggests they are more effective at creating goal-scoring opportunities due to their trajectory and ability to target the most dangerous area of the penalty box.
Q: What is the “meat wall”?
A: A tactic where a large number of attacking players are positioned inside the six-yard box during a corner kick, overwhelming defenders and the goalkeeper.
Q: Is set-piece coaching becoming more important?
A: Yes, as set pieces are increasingly recognized as a crucial opportunity to score goals, clubs are investing in specialized coaches to maximize their effectiveness.
Did you know? Even before the recent shift, Liverpool scored a goal from an inswinging delivery by Mohamed Salah in their win over Brighton on December 13.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to how teams position their players during corners. The number of players inside the six-yard box is a key indicator of their set-piece strategy.
What are your thoughts on the changing landscape of set pieces? Share your opinions in the comments below!
