Importance of Set-Pieces in FPL
This season has seen a significant increase in the proportion of goals scored from set-pieces, prompting the question of whether set-piece takers and recipients are more crucial than ever.
A review of the last 10 full Premier League campaigns shows that the number of set-piece goals has fluctuated between 200-250, with a high of 255 in 2016/17 and a low of 197 in 2020/21.
As a percentage of total goals, set-piece goals have generally accounted for 20-21% over the past few years, slightly lower than in the early part of the last decade.
However, this season has seen a notable spike in set-piece goals, highlighting their growing importance in the Premier League.
Are set-piece takers – and those on the end of dead-ball deliveries – more important than ever?
Author summary: Set-pieces are increasingly important in FPL this season.