Free kick season – how open play goals have become obsolete

Corner kicks are not the only tactical rebound that occurs in the Premier League.

Long throws, popularized by former Stoke City defender Rory Delap between 2008 and 2012, have also seen a noticeable rise.

Brentford, under former set-piece coach Keith Andrews, have used this tactic effectively this season through defender Michael Kayode.

His battery of long throws proved to be a very powerful weapon, with one of them leading to Danjou Ouattara’s opener in the 3-2 win over Liverpool on Saturday – one of eight goals the Bees have scored from a throw-in since the start of last season.

Liverpool coach Arne Slott said: “They are a very good team at winning duels and second balls and you have to give them credit for that.

“It is also difficult to win a football match if the balance of set-pieces is in their favour.”

After Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Gtech Community Stadium last month, match-winner Erling Haaland said: “It was a tough game and reminded me of Rory Delap’s Stoke City team 15 years ago.”