Set-pieces: “That Extra 30 Percent”
“That’s how much set pieces can improve a team’s goal tally” Gianni Vio.
Set-pieces are probably, one of the most underrated assets of a football team. A well-executed set-piece play can change the course of a game (ask Real Madrid in 2014, for example). So, this is why a team with low effectiveness in this matter like Tottenham hired the set-piece coach quoted in the title, Gianni Vio.
In the 2021/22 season, Tottenham ranked very low in stats regarding set pieces. They formed part of the bottom four teams in set-piece shots. Placed in the top three worst teams in % of total xG (expected goals) from set pieces. And also placed 14th in set-piece goals with eight.
It's not by chance that the bests teams in the Premier League place high in set play stats. In shots, xG, and goals Manchester City and Liverpool occupy the top 2. While teams like Arsenal and Chelsea rank very high in those stats as well.
The way to approach this could be that Spurs did an impressive job getting into the top four without an efficient set play performance. But at the same time, this makes us realize that the ceiling of Antonio Conte’s side could be higher if they start to be lethal through set-pieces as well.
Why set-pieces are important for Spurs’ game?
As Gianni Vio said, improving the number of goals by 30% is something that any club would want to do. But, for Tottenham, this is different, since their most frequent way of getting in front of goal is through counterattacks. In football, counterattacking requires extremely high precision and coordination. When done well, is a lethal weapon that secures goals or at least, high probability attempts of scoring.
But the downside of it is that teams know that Spurs will do that, so they prepare for it. This elevates the complexity when executing the counterattack, making it even harder to be effective with it. So, set-pieces can be a new weapon for their game that can help them boost their chances of scoring when they move the ball forward.
The previous season they only scored 8 set play goals, in this one, they have already scored 3, against Chelsea, Wolverhampton, and Leicester. Also, they have some goals that came just after corner kicks, like the second goal from Richarlison against Marseille or the equalizer from Harry Kane against ‘The Foxes’.
And an important piece in this puzzle is the Croatian winger, Ivan Perisic. He is recognized worldwide for his deliveries and well-executed crosses. He showed this in their stoppage-time draw against Chelsea, delivering a perfect cross that made Harry Kane the hero of the London Derby.
He already has made a huge impact providing 4 assists in 9 games, having only played 64% of the minutes. He is the type of player that Tottenham were missing after Christian Eriksen’s departure to Inter Milan.
Conclusion
The experience from Vio and his variability in set-plays is already helping Spurs to reach a top level. Plus, the arrival of Ivan Perisic has been outstanding in this matter. This will lift the quality of their attacks and will place them close to the top teams. Their improvement of this side of their game is making them a more complete team that can aspire to fight to lift a trophy this season under Antonio Conte.
The season is just starting but Spurs are looking solid. What do you think about them? They can lift a trophy this season or not? Will this new change in set-plays make a difference in the outcome of their campaign? Let me know! It will be interesting to read your thoughts about this topic.
Thank you for reading! I will leave other stories below in case you may be interested, feel free to check them out:
