Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has sounded the alarm about set-pieces becoming an increasingly dangerous weapon in Premier League football. The Spanish tactician draws parallels with the physical style once synonymous with Tony Pulis’ Stoke City.
Guardiola revealed that teams increasingly deploy long throws, corners, and aerial duels to unsettle opponents. This tactical shift has become a defining feature across England’s top division. Teams now approach every throw-in with corner-like intensity, crowding the penalty area.
Modern Premier League Set-Piece Revolution
“Today set pieces are a real threat,” Guardiola stated. He cited Brentford’s performance against Liverpool as evidence. “We saw every throw-in become a scoring opportunity during that match. Michael Kayode dominated these situations.”
Statistical analysis confirms Guardiola’s observations. Nearly 19% of Premier League goals this season originated from corner kicks. This marks the highest percentage in recent years, representing a significant 5% increase over typical figures.
Historical Tactical Comparisons
The Manchester City boss recalled similar approaches from historic Premier League sides. “Sean Dyche’s Burnley mastered long balls and second balls. He remains unmatched in these tactical elements. Sam Allardyce employed similar methods.”
Guardiola specifically referenced Stoke City’s notorious long-throw tactics during their Premier League era. “Stoke’s approach was once considered unique. Now multiple teams adopt these methods.” The manager noted English football’s enduring reputation for physicality from his time managing Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
This tactical evolution marks a return to fundamentals. Set-piece proficiency is reshaping Premier League outcomes. Guardiola’s comments highlight football’s cyclical nature and the persistent value of aerial dominance.
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