I love set pieces. I’m absolutely thrilled and hyped every time I see one. It’s something I cannot explain – well at least the feeling. What I can explain is what makes them great and entertaining to me. Set pieces are so much more than just looking at corners – as this article will look at. This time I will look at attacking throw-ins.
To illustrate that I’m taking Matty Cash as an example who’s attacking throw-ins that generate an attacking threat with his side, Aston Villa. I will use data through visualizations and video, to analyse his attacking throw-ins.
Attacking throw-ins: placement
In the image above you see every throw-in made by Matty Cash in the first 7 games of the Premier League 2021/2022 season. As you can see the majority of his throw-ins came from the right side, as he also played on the right. What’s particularly interesting, is the way the throw-ins change when the throw-ins are taken from more progressive places. The throw-ins are in the final third and assume the role of an attacking corner. As you see the throw-ins reach the front post area and even the goalkeeper zone. The ability to deliver a throw-in as an attacking corner creates threat.
Attacking throw-ins: first contact
In the image above you can see the attacking half of the pitch where Matty Cash operated with his attacking throw-ins for Aston Villa. His throw-ins were conducted from the left side and the placement of those throws, as illustrated above.
In the image above you can see the attacking half of the pitch where Matty Cash operated with his attacking throw-ins for Aston Villa. His throw-ins were conducted from the right side and the placement of those throws, as illustrated above.
As you can see in both the images, Cash can reach a variety of areas on the flanks, but his main threat comes from the placement in the penalty area. From those zones, you can generate shots just like you can do from attacking corners or free kicks.
Attacking throw-ins: Expected Threat (xT)
In the image above you can see the throw-ins from Matty Cash in those 7 games, that were considered progressive. Just like progressive passes. 31 throw-ins out of 55 were progressive, which is a percentage of 56,4%. These do definitely add to the attacking pressure of Aston Villa, but we want to measure how much the actual threat is. This can be done by looking at the Expected Threat or xT of those progressive throw-ins. The total xT of these progressive throw-ins, is 0,58. This means that the average xT per throw-in is 0,019 xT.
Attacking throw-ins: video
In the videos below you can examples of Matty Cash’s throw-ins which are placed in the penalty area and in doing so, create the most threat.
Final thoughts
Matty Cash has many qualities and he is not defined by his attacking throw-ins, but the very fact he has these qualities, makes it an extra weapon for him and Aston Villa. It illustrates that more teams could do well with a player that can throw the ball a long distance and effectively change a throw-in into a corner or freekick. Aston Villa will profit hugely from this.
The season has well started in most of the leagues and that means that set-piece analysis of goals from attacking corners can be done. My attention goes to the Scottish Premiership. Before I analysed Dundee United in the 2020/2021 season and this time my focus goes to titleholders Rangers FC.
Rangers FC will be fighting for titles on different fronts, but the Premiership is one of the main goals, and scoring set pieces is of vital importance when you are having difficult times against tough opponents. So far, the Glasgow outfit has scored three goals via attacking corners and in the videos below, I will show you how they did via analysis.
Rangers FC vs Ross County
In the video above we see Rangers FC against Ross County with Rangers having a corner from the right. The corner is taken by a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out towards the penalty spot. Ross County employs an one-man zonal structure with two man marker and three blockers
Rangers has a player on the left for the short option and one player just outside the penalty area. This player is tasked with cleared balls and also with being the first line of rest defence. There is one player in the six-yard box and in the middle on the penalty spot they have five players against six players of Ross County, meaning that Ross County have an overload in this area.
As soon as the ball is taken we see the four runners split into two units: one unit of three and one unit of one. The unit of three moves towards the central zones of the penalty area, while the other player moves towards the far post, because that is where the room and space have been created. The attention goes to the three runners to the goalkeeper zone, leaving the far post relatively free. It’s a 1v1 and it’s won by Rangers, after which they convert the cross into a goal.
Rangers FC vs Celtic
In the video above we see Rangers FC against Celtic with Rangers having a corner from the right. The corner is taken by a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box. Celtic employs a one-man zonal structure (error in the video) with two man markers.
Rangers has two players in the six-yard box with one player just standing outside the six-yard box. Rangers also has three runners coming from the deep far post zone, who will make their way into the six-yard box at the far post, in order to get most momentum in that area of the pitch.
As soon as the ball is taken we see the three runners split in two units: one unit of two and one unit of one. The unit of two moves towards the far post zones of the penalty area, while the other player moves towards the far post as well, because that is where the room and space have been created. The units don’t split much in terms of space, but create just enough stretch so that the three can attack the cross and not be in the way of each other. In the end, it’s a 3v2 overload and Rangers come out victorious in this corner and score a goal.
Rangers FC vs Motherwell
In the video above we see Rangers FC against Motherwell with Rangers having a corner from the right. The corner is taken by a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the penalty spot. Motherwell employs a two-man zonal structure with one man marker in the six-yard box.
Rangers have one player in the six-yard box with one player just standing outside the six-yard box. Rangers also has three runners coming from the deep penalty area zone, who will make their way into the six-yard box at the far post and goalkeeper zone, in order to get most momentum in that area of the pitch and create overloads in the six-yard box where it’s possible. One player stays behind and guards the first line of rest defence.
As soon as the ball is taken we see the movement in the five players on the edge of the penalty area. Four of those players actually move forward to make something of this corner. You have one player closer to the corner taker and he goes forward, but immediately remains conservative and stays just inside the penalty area. In the end, we see two players going in opposite ways and joined by the third, move towards the goalkeeper zone and far post zone. This all is a distraction as the two players close to the six-yard box are the ones to focus on. The highlighted player moves to the front post and drags three defenders with him, creating space for the other player in the six-yard box – who can easily convert the headed ball into a goal.
Euro 2020 has started to start, but I still am wondering about what happens in the Eliteserien in Norway at the moment. I’ve not done any analysis concentrating on the defensive side of set-pieces for a while now, and that is something I want to change. So this is about the defensive positioning of Molde SK in this Eliteserien season in Norway.
I’ve chosen to look at Molde FK as they are a big side in Norway and that it is quite interesting to see how well top teams in a league perform on the defensive side of things, as they usually are the ones doing the majority of the attacking.
Molde FK vs Tromsø IL
In the video above you can see Molde defending a corner against Stromsø, who have a corner from the right. It’s an inswinging corner from the right, taken by a left-footed player.
When the corner is taken we see Molde set up defensively in a two-player zonal structure. One zonal marker is on the near post and one is on the far post, which is a slightly particular set up, as most teams set up with two zonal markers at the near post. There is a 3v3 situation in the six-yard box with three players of Stromsø in the six-yard box being man-marked by Molde. In the 11 meter zone, we have two runners of Stromsø and their runs will be attempted to block by Molde.
The ball is delivered to the far post and it’s defended by the zonal marker of that particular zone, while the two runners try to get there as well. One of the blockers runs with the runner, but the other one lost his marker and could prove to be dangerous in a different situation.
Molde FK vs SK Brann
In the video above, we see that Brann have a corner on the left and is taken by right-footed player – which means the corner will swing in. The ball will go nearer to the six-yard box than to the penalty spot.
Molde employs a three-player zonal structure in this situation with one player at the far post and two players at the near post. One is standing close to the man-maker at the near post but is definitely zonally marking that particular zone. In the six-yard box, we have a 2v2 situation which means that there are two Brann players against six Molde players. Four players are standing on the penalty spot and are trying to make a run towards the six-yard box, which will be tried to blocked by Molde’s defensive players.
The ball goes to the near post and is headed away, because of the overload in that particular zone. Again, there could be a chance for Brann to attack when the ball was headed to the far post, where a 2v2 situation is – this could prove dangerous for Molde.
Another day, another set-piece analysis. Like, I previously said I wanted to look more into football on continents outside of Europe and that’s why I’m turning my eye towards Asia, India to be more precise. In this set-piece analysis I will look at the attacking corner routines of Kerala Blasters, playing in the Indian Super League.
The videos used in this analysis are form Instat and I have chosen to look at the successful routines, to see what works in this particular league and which routines are interesting to look at.
Kerala Blasters vs Mumbai City
In the video above we see Kerala Blasters in their game against Mumbai City. Kerala have a corner on the left, which is taken by right-footed player, which means the ball will swing in. The ball will be placed towards the six-yard box and the positioning of the attacking side is tailored to that.
Mumbai employs a five player zonal structure and Kerala don’t have a man in the six-yard box, which also leads to no man-marker in that box. Kerala have six players in the penalty area and they are divided in three. One unit plays on the penalty spot, with another unit standing deep just inside the penalty area, and the other unit is standing between them on the left.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see movement from all the units. We see that the unit on the left and in the middle both move forward, but they split up. One of each unit goes to the front post and one of each goes to the goalkeeper zone, which confuses the blockers. The ball is delivered to the front post and it has been successful, resulting in a goal for Kerala.
Kerala Blaster vs GOA
In the video above we see Kerala Blasters in their game against GOA. Kerala have a corner on the right, which is taken by left-footed player, which means the ball will swing in. The ball will be placed towards the six-yard box and the positioning of the attacking side is tailored to that.
GOA employs an one player zonal structure and Kerala have one man in the six-yard box, who is man-marked. Kerala have four players in the penalty area in the central zones, with one player standing just outside the six-yard box and three players ready to make runs into the goalkeeper zone and front post. At the deep far post zone, we have another runner coming in.
As soon as the ball is kicked the players move into the goalkeeper zone and front post zone, creating space at the far post for the runner who will go to that specific area. Because there is no zonal coverage at the far post, he can easily score a goal.
Kerala Blasters vs HyderabadFC
In the video above you Kerala Blasters against Hyderabad. Kerala have a corner on the left, which is taken by left-footed player, which means the ball will swing out. The ball will be placed between the six-yard box and the and the penalty spot.
Hyderabad employs an one player zonal structure and Kerala have one man in the six-yard box, who is man-marked. Kerala have three players in the 11 meter zone, with one player standing on the left to receive a short pass, but he will go into the penalty area as well. At the deep far post zone, there is another runner of Kerala.
As soon as the ball is kicked, the unit of three moves towards the central zone – with the third man remaining on his position. We have two units of two, one in the front post zone and one in the far post zone. In the end the player from the orginal three player united manages to head the ball home, because he’s unmarked.
It has been a few days since I’ve looked at set-pieces, but I thought I would get out there and look at a club’s attacking routines again. In this analysis I will look at Leeds United’s U23 team and how they performed in different attacking corners routines.
Looking at academy teams is more of a challenge in my opinion. Not so much because of the level or the ideas behind a set-piece, but because in youth games the camera angles are different, the quality of the cameras are different, and therefore your job as an analyst can be more difficult. Nevertheless, it’s always worth doing it, as it will train other aspects of being an analyst.
In the video above you Leeds United U23 against Middlesbrough U23. Leeds have a corner on the left, which is taken by right-footed player, which means the ball will swing in. The ball will be placed towards the six-yard box and the positioning of the attacking side is tailored to that.
Middlesbrough employs a two player zonal structure and has one man-marker in the box, because Leeds have one player in the six-yard box. Just outside the six-yard box, Leeds have another players, and they have a short pass option on the left. They have a unit of two at the far post zone who are tasked with making runs into the six-yard box and two player stand outside the penalty area, these two are tasked with attacking cleared balls and guarding the rest defence in case of a counter-attack.
The ball comes to the six-yard box to the man standing there, but the ball is cleared by the combination of the goalkeeper and man-marker. They are so occupied with clearing that they haven’t got a good position for other attackers to come in. The man just outside the six-yard box does profit from it and scores the goal.
In the video above you Leeds United U23 against Burnsley U23. Leeds have a corner on the right, which is taken by right-footed player, which means the ball will swing out. The ball will be placed between the six-yard box and the and the penalty spot.
Burnsley employs a two player zonal structure, but no one from Leeds is in the six-yard box. They have four runners against Burnsley and these runners are split into two units. One unit that will make a movement towards the goalkeeper zone and one unit that will make a run towards the far post zone. Just outside the penalty area, Leeds have two players who are tasked with clearances and rest-defence in case of a counter-attack.
As soon as the ball is kicked, the two units move forwards in order to attack the ball. The ball is cleared by the Burnsley defence, but one of the two players outside the penalty area steps up and shoots the ball under the keeper, converting it into a goal for Leeds.
In the video above you Leeds United U23 against Aston Villa U23. Leeds have a corner on the left, which is taken by right-footed player, which means the ball will swing in. The ball will be placed towards the six-yard box and the positioning of the attacking side is tailored to that.
Aston Villa have a four player zonal structure and Leeds do have one player in the six-yard box. At the far post zone, we have three players of Leeds who will attempt to make a run towards goal. Just outside the penalty area, Leeds have two players who are tasked with clearances and rest-defence in case of a counter-attack.
The ball is played deep to the far post zone and a header is intended. The ball doesn’t connect well with the header or the defender, which leaves another one of those three players to be able to pick the ball up and convert it into a goal for Leeds.
In the video above you Leeds United U23 against Newcastle United U23. Leeds have a corner on the right, which is taken by left-footed player, which means the ball will swing in. The ball will be placed towards the six-yard box and the positioning of the attacking side is tailored to that.
Newcastle United have a three player zonal structure and Leeds do have one player in the six-yard box – who is man-marked. The front post is marked zonally, but there is space at the far post to be attacked. Leeds have five players who will make a run forwards, with three players looking to go centrally and two players to go to the front post. They also have one player outside the penalty area, who will guard the rest defence.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see the five players moving as a line forward to the penalty spot. The three front players move towards the front post, luring defenders with them. In doing so they create a 2v2 situation in the 11 meter zone. The ball doesn’t go as close to the six-yard box as thought and the attackers in the middle anticipate. They step back a fraction of a second earlier than their opponents, giving them time to be a threat. From this situation, Leeds scored an excellent header to give them the advantage.
Set-pieces are not only corners. Corners might be the most obvious choice when you look at set-pieces, but freekicks and throw ins are a vital part of the game as well. My eyes have turned towards League Two and more specifically Cheltenham Town, who have been promoted to League One as champions of their league.
In this analysis I will look at how some of their attacking corners could be seen as a form of corners and in doing so I will look at the routines of the runners, positioning of other player and the behaviour of the team as a whole. I’ve looked at all of the 296 attacking throw ins and have identief five examples which serve as vehicle for this analysis.
Throw in #1
In the video above we see Cheltenham Town having a throw in from the right flank and the side is ready to throw the ball deep into the goalkeeper zone in order to create a goalscoring opportunity.
The ball is played deep and we see four players of Cheltenham in the six-yard box against man-markers which makes it a 4v4 situation. In the penalty area we see another player of Cheltenham moving into the six-yard box, but more centrally. Outside the penalty area we see two players on the edge and these players are both tasked with the cleared balls.
When the ball is thrown the players in the six-yard box move towards the front post, leaving more space in the goalkeeper zone and the far post zone, which the player on the left tries to occupy. The ball is cleared by the opposition, but one of the players outside the penalty area comes in and tries to shoot.
Throw in #2
In the video above, you see Cheltenham Town playing away at Newport County. The ball is being thrown from the left side and has to travel more distance, as it is more diagonally. You could compare this more to a freekick than to a corner.
This time there are four players in and around the six-yard box in the front post zone against four defender and the keeper – because the goalkeeper tries to claim the ball. Two player are standing in the 11 meter zone and are anticipating a ball to to the right, while the two players outside the penalty area anticipate a cleared ball.
When the ball is thrown the players near the six-yard box try to win the aerial duels with the goalkeeper trying to punch it away. The goalkeeper fails to do so and the ball goes towards the two players in the 11 meter zone who don’t score, but can have a shot on target after this throw in.
Throw in #3
In the video above we see Cheltenham Town having a throw in from the right flank and the side is ready to throw the ball deep into the goalkeeper zone in order to create a goalscoring opportunity.
The ball is played deep and we see four players of Cheltenham in the six-yard box against man-markers which makes it a 4v4 situation. In the penalty area we see another player of Cheltenham moving into the six-yard box, but he does this more to the far post zone. Outside the penalty area we see two players on the edge and these players are both tasked with the cleared balls, but also are tasked with the first line of defence in case of a counter-attack.
When the ball is thrown the players in the six-yard box move towards the front post, leaving more space in the goalkeeper zone and the far post zone, which the player on the left tries to occupy. The ball is headed by one of the four-man unit between the front post and goalkeeper zone, but there’s no goal in the end.
Throw in #4
In the video above, you see Cheltenham Town playing an away game. The ball is being thrown from the right side and has to travel more distance, as it is more diagonally. You could compare this more to a freekick than to a corner.
The ball is played deep and we see three players of Cheltenham in the six-yard box against man-markers which makes it a 3v3 situation, in the front post zone. In the penalty area we see another player of Cheltenham moving into the six-yard box, but he does this more to the goalkeeper post zone, and we also see another play who makes his way to the far post zone. Outside the penalty area we see two players on the edge and these players are both tasked with the cleared balls, but also are tasked with the first line of defence in case of a counter-attack.
The ball goes to the front post zone and the idea is to get the ball into the goalkeeper zone for the two players in that position to attack it, but the ball is cleared by the opposition and the danger has passed.
You will have guessed it by now, but I’m really interested in all things set-pieces. I’m definitely not the only one and I’m definitely not the only one writing about them, but I do have a preference for everything and anything that isn’t top 5 European leagues, and that’s what I plan on doing for the future.
In this article I turned to Italy again, just like my last analysis on Ternana. This time no Serie C or Serie, but the Primavera 1 – the highest U19 league of Italy. Currently on the 23rd matchday of 30, Sampodoria leads with 44 points, closely followed by Inter with 43 points and Roma with 42 points. An exciting league to follow and this is no different for the set-pieces.
In this analysis I will have a look at one successful routine per club in this current season. I’m looked at all routines that were successful and took one out of them that illustrated correctly why that particular routine is characteristic for that club. Ascoli has not been included as they haven’t scored a set-piece goal as of yet. The data was retrieved on Sunday 16th May 2021. Data and video are from Wyscout.
SampdoriaU19
In the video above we see Sampdoria U19 vs Genoa U19 in the Primavera. The corner is taken from the left with two players standing there. One to swing the ball in with his right foot and the other to swing the ball out with his left foot. Outside the penalty area we have two player: one close to the edge of the penalty area ready to anticipate any cleared balls. the other one does anticipate a counter-attack and looks after the rest defence.
The ball is taken short by the player with the right-foot and after that, the left-footed player crosses the ball towards the six-yard box. There are five players of Sampdoria who are tasked of making runs in that particular six-yard box against a five player zonal structure. In the end the ball is delivered to the far post and Sampdoria heads the ball home.
InterU19
In the video above we see Inter U19 vs Sassuolo U19 in the Primavera. The corner is taken from the left by a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in. Just outside the penalty area on the left we see a player from Inter for a short pass option. There are no players of Inter in the six-yard box, but deep in the far post zone we see six players of Inter who will make runs forward.
The ball is delivered towards the front post and that is the zone where the Inter players run to. Sassuolo employ a two player zonal structure and they are somewhat overloaded at the front post by the runners, making it easier for Inter to score a goal. The header is guided towards the far post and it’s a goal for Inter.
Roma
In the video above we see Roma U19 vs Cagliari U19 in the Primavera. The corner is taken from the left by a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in. We see two players just outside the penalty box who will run as a unit towards the front post. We see one players in the six-yard box and three runners centrally who will run towards the six-yard box. At the far post there is a player who will anticipate a deep ball.
The ball is delivered towards the far post towards the player standing there. He guids the ball back into the six-yard box where six players are standing ready to attack the ball. The ball lands at the edge of the six-yard box and Roma can score a goal.
Juventus U19
In the video above we see Juventus U19 vs Torino U19 in the Primavera. The corner is taken from the right by a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out. We see one player in the six-yard box with four players making runs into the six-yard box. On the edge of the penalty area we have two players who are tasked with the cleared balls and the rest defence in case of a counter-attack.
The ball is delivered to the central zone, but is headed out the zone by the defenders of Torino, who play in a five player zonal structure. The ball is cleared and goes to the edge of the box – where one player of Juventus picks the ball up and shoots the ball into the top corner.
EmpoliU19
In the video above we see Empoli U19 vs Milan U19 in the Primavera. The corner is taken from the left by a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out. Milan employs a four player zonal structure and we can see that five players of Empoli make a run towards the six-yard box in order to attack the ball. On the edge of the penalty box we see another player who is tasked with the rest defence, but also concentrates on the cleared balls.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see the runners move into the six-yard box, especially surrounding the placement of the ball – which is located in the central zone. The keeper gets it as first, but then he drops it and Empoli can score one of the easiest goals of the season.
Atalanta U19
In the video above we see Atalanta U19 vs Ascoli U19 in the Primavera. The corner will be taken short with two players of Atalanta occupying the corner. In the six-yard box we see one player and in the penalty area we have two players ready to make a run, with a third one coming from outside the penalty area. Deeper outside the penalty area we have a player tasked with defensive duties and the cleared balls.
The ball is kicked short and then the cross comes from a right-footed player as an outswinging cross. That’s the idea, but instead, he passes it to the player on the backline and his pass into the box makes sure that there is more danger. The ball is delivered in the central zone and Atalanta manage to score a header from this position.
SPAL U19
In the video above we see SPAL U19 vs Ascoli U19 in the Primavera. The corners comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box. Ascoli has a one player zonal structure with two players of SPAL in the six-yard box. Four players will make runs into the six-yard box.
The ball is played deep to the far post, because space has been created there. This is possible of the runs of the other players to the front post, luring defenders with them – thus creating space at the far post and leading to a header that leads to a goal against Ascoli.
Milan U19
In the video above we see Milan U19 vs Sassuolo U19 in the Primavera. The corners comes from the left from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box. Sassuolo has a one player zonal structure with no players of Milan in that six-yard box, but six players will make a run towards it because of the trajectory of the ball.
The ball is played just behind the front post zone, and all players that make runs go to the six-yard box to occupy a space to attack. At the edge of the penalty area another player is arriving to assist with cleared balls or rest defence, but the ball is scored with a header inside the six-yard box by Milan.
Sassuolo U19
In the video above we see Sassuolo U19 vs Lazio U19 in the Primavera. The corners comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box. Lazio has a two player zonal structure with one player of Sassuolo in that six-yard box, but four players will make a run towards it because of the trajectory of the ball. Outside the penalty area we see two players tasked with cleared balls and the rest defence in case of a counter-attack.
What is interesting is that Lazio tries to zonal mark the space in front of the front post, which gaves Sassuolo the edge to deliver the ball just behind that space and the front post. The runners recognise that and can head the ball into goal quite easily at the front post.
Genoa U19
In the video above we see Genoa U19 vs Roma U19 in the Primavera. The corner comes from the right from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out away from the six-yard box. Roma has a two player zonal structure with one player of Genoa in that six-yard box, but four players will make a run towards it because of the trajectory of the ball. Outside the penalty area we see one player tasked with cleared balls and the rest defence in case of a counter-attack.
The majority of the players went to the front post, opening up space for the players at the far post because the defenders have been lured away. The ball is delivered in the far central zone, but Genoa still manages to score from there.
Cagliari U19
In the video above we see Cagliari U19 vs Empoli U19 in the Primavera. The corner comes from the left from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out away from the six-yard box. Empoli has a two player zonal structure with no players of Cagliari in the six-yard box, but there are six runners who will make a move into the six-yard box.
As soon as the ball is taken from the corner to the far post, we see the group of runners dividie: players to the front post to lure defenders away and players to the central zone/far post zone who will attack the corner. In the end the ball is not directly converted into a goal, but the dominance of the central zones is of huge importance.
Bologna U19
In the video above we see Bologna U19 vs Lazio U19 in the Primavera. The corner comes from the right from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out away from the six-yard box. Lazio has a four player zonal structure with no players of Bologna in the six-yard box, but there are five runners who will make a move into the six-yard box. The player outside the penalty area is tasked with the cleared balls.
Lazio plays with two lines of zonal defence and Bologna tries to make use of that by making runs in between the lines and delivering the ball there. The ball is not directly converted into a goal, but the ball is delivered in the central zone at the correct position to deliver it into a goal.
FiorentinaU19
In the video above we see Fiorentina U19 vs Roma U19 in the Primavera. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box. Roma has a three player zonal structure with no players of Fiorentina in the six-yard box, but there are five runners who will make a move into the six-yard box. The three players outside the penalty area are tasked with the cleared balls and rest defence, but they are man-marked by Roma.
The ball is played between the central zone and the far post zone, because there is the most space of all. The most players run towards the front post and the defenders go with the, thus creating more space at the far post. The goal is a bit lucky, but nonetheless a consequence of the runs made towards the front post.
Lazio U19
In the video above we see Lazio U19 vs Bologna U19 in the Primavera. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box. Bologna has a two player zonal structure with four players of Lazio in and around the six-yard box, and with one runner who will make a move into the six-yard box. The three players outside the penalty area are tasked with the cleared balls and rest defence.
The ball is played between the central zone and the far post zone, because there is the most space of all. Most players run towards the front post and the defenders go with them, thus creating more space at the far post. The goal is a consequence from the above and winning the aerial duel in the six-yard box.
Torino U19
In the video above we see Torino U19 vs Milan U19 in the Primavera. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box. Milan has a four player zonal structure with three players of Torino in and around the six-yard box, and with two runners who will make a move into the six-yard box.
Every player of Torino bar one goes to the front post zone, luring the defenders with them – also the zonal markers which is a mistake. Because of that mistake the far post is completely free for Torino to attack and they convert this chance into a goal.
It’s a been a few days since I wrote the set-piece analysis, but today I’m writing another one. Today my eye turns toward Italy. The Serie C to be precise. In this set-piece analysis I will look at Ternana Calcio’s attacking corners in the Serie C of 2020-2021.
The Serie C is divided in several groups and Ternana Calcio is divided into group A. This season has been extremely fruitful for them as they have been promoted and will play in the Serie B in the 2021-2022 season, which will be quite the challenge. In this analysis I will look closely to their successful attacking corner routines, which proved vital in some phases of their games.
Ternana Calcio vs Bari
In the video above you can see Ternana in their game against Bari. The corner is taken from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in the penalty area. The ball will go towards the six-yard box, because of it. This means that the positioning of the runners will be closer to goal.
Bari has a one zonal player structure and he stays on the front post. In the penalty are we see that Bari plays man-marking which means that every player from Ternana is marked by a player from Bari. In the six-yard box we see three players of Ternana and on the penalty spot we see three players from Ternana as well, who are occupied with making runs into the six-yard box. On the right side we a player just inside the penalty area and just outside the penalty area, we see another player.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see movement from the players in the six-yard box to the front post. At the same time we see that the three runners break into a 2-1 formation, with one player joining the players at the front post – while the other two players are making a run to the far post. In the end the ball comes to the player at the far post and he scores.
Ternana Calcio vs Calcio Foggia
In the video above we see Ternana in their game against Foggia. The corner is taken from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in the penalty area. The ball will go towards the six-yard box, because of it. This means that the positioning of the runners will be closer to goal.
Foggia has a two player zonal structure (the video has a typo). We see one player of Ternana in the six-yard box and one player outside the penalty area who is tasked with the cleared balls and the rest-defence. Ternana has five runners who all attempt to make runs into the six-yard box as soon as the ball is taken.
When the ball is kicked we see that the five runners all move forward, but not one of them goes to the same position as the other one. The ball is delivered into the front post and one of those five runners goes to that specific area, beats his marker and scores a header to give Ternana another goal.
Ternana Calcio vs Paganese Calcio 1926
In the video above we see Ternana in their game against Paganese. The ball is taken from the right from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out towards the area between the six-yard box and the penalty spot. The position of the runners is a bit more conservative because of this.
Paganese has a two player zonal structure . We see one player of Ternana in the six-yard box and one player outside the penalty area who is tasked with the rest-defence or cleared balls. Inside the penalty area we see five runners from Ternana who will try to attack the outswinging ball.
The ball is played just outside the six-yard box and the man-marking means that Ternana needs to time their runs correctly. What they do in the deep far post zone is that they lure defenders to the far post, which creates more space in the central zones to attack the ball. The ball goes to the central zone and the header results in a goal.
Ternana Calcio vs SS Juve Stabia
In the video above we see Ternana in their game against Juve Stabia. The corner is taken from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in the penalty area. The ball will go towards the six-yard box, because of it. This means that the positioning of the runners will be closer to goal.
Juve Stabia has a six player zonal structure . We see one player of Ternana in the six-yard box and one player outside the penalty area who is tasked with the rest-defence or cleared balls. Inside the penalty area we see four runners from Ternana who will try to attack the inswinging ball.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see one player going past the front post, moving closer to the corner. This confuses some of the defenders and then another play creeps in the spot at the front post. Those two players combine to score the goal as the player closest to the corner flicks the ball to the front post, after which the other play can score the goal at the front post.
Earlier this week I wrote about OH Leuven’s attacking corners. I didn’t only look at their routines but also had a look at their deliveries, the expected goals generated per corner, and the average xG generated by corner type. I’m going to do this as well, but this time concentrating on the Women’s Super League in England.
In this analysis I will look closely to the top-4 in England: Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United. I will analyse their expected goals from corners, how their deliveries are, their average xG per corner type, and some of their successful corner routines. This is part two and will look at Arsenal and Manchester United.
I’ve chosen to look at the top-4 because I wanted to get a better idea of what the corners are in the WSL and because these top-4 teams, also are the top-4 when it comes to scored goals from corners. To get a good view of the attacking corners in this particular league, these teams are definitely worth watching in my opinion. I’m going to look at their last 4/5 games of the WSL 2020-2021 season to assess the generated xG.
Arsenal
Expected goals per corner
Game
Side
Foot
Swing
Zonal structure
Length
Zone
xG
Goal
Minute
Everton
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Far post
0
No
4
Everton
Right
Right
Out
Two player
Long
Front post
0,01
No
14
Everton
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
30
Everton
Left
Left
Out
Two player
Long
Front post
0,05
No
67
West Ham United
Left
Right
In
Five player
Short
Central
0,27
No
3
West Ham United
Left
Left
Out
Five player
Long
Central
0,07
No
35
West Ham United
Right
Right
Out
Four player
Long
Far post
0
No
41
West Ham United
Right
Right
Out
Four player
Short
Front post
0
No
70
West Ham United
Right
Left
In
Four player
Long
Central
0
No
71
West Ham United
Right
Left
In
Four player
Long
Central
0,09
No
92
Brighton and Hove Albion
Left
Left
Out
Two player
Long
Far post
0,18
No
7
Brighton and Hove Albion
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
8
Brighton and Hove Albion
Right
Left
In
Four player
Short
Central
0,01
No
14
Brighton and Hove Albion
Right
Left
In
Four player
Long
Far post
0
No
23
Brighton and Hove Albion
Left
Left
Out
Four player
Long
Central
0
No
23
Brighton and Hove Albion
Right
Right
Out
Four player
Long
Far post
0
No
25
Brighton and Hove Albion
Left
Right
In
Four player
Short
Front post
0
No
26
Brighton and Hove Albion
Right
Left
In
Four player
Long
Central
0
No
41
Brighton and Hove Albion
Right
Left
In
Four player
Long
Central
0
No
42
Brighton and Hove Albion
Left
Left
Out
Four player
Long
Central
0,01
No
44
Brighton and Hove Albion
Left
Left
Out
Four player
Long
Central
0,43
No
45
Brighton and Hove Albion
Left
Left
Out
Four player
Long
Central
0
No
57
Brighton and Hove Albion
Left
Left
Out
Four player
Long
Far post
0,08
No
94
Bristol City
Right
Right
Out
Six player
Long
Central
0
No
14
Bristol City
Right
Right
Out
Six player
Long
Front post
0
No
31
Bristol City
Right
Right
Out
Five player
Short
Front post
0
No
31
Bristol City
Left
Right
In
Five player
Long
Central
0,16
No
37
Bristol City
Left
Right
In
Five player
Long
Front post
0
No
39
Bristol City
Right
Left
In
Five player
Short
Central
0
No
42
Bristol City
Left
Right
In
Five player
Long
Far post
0
No
47
Bristol City
Left
Left
Out
Five player
Long
Central
0
No
75
Bristol City
Right
Left
In
Five player
Long
Central
0
No
82
Bristol City
Left
Left
Out
Five player
Long
Front post
0,05
No
86
Bristol City
Left
Right
In
Five player
Long
Central
0
No
88
In the table above you see every corner taken by Arsenal in their games against Everton, West Ham United, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Bristol City. What is interesting is that there are 34 corners taken by the Arsenal team, but 6 of those corners have been short. In total Arsenal have generated 1,41 expected goals from those 34 corners. That is an average of 0,415 xG per game via corners.
In the game against Everton, Arsenal have generated 0,06 xG. In their game against West Ham United, Arsenal have generated 0,43 xG. In their game against Brighton, Arsenal have generated 0,63 xG. In their game against Bristol City, Arsenal have generated 0,29 xG.
Corner type
Total xG
Average xG
Left
1,3
0,038235294
Right
0,11
0,036666667
Swing in
0,53
0,015588235
Swing out
0,88
0,025882353
Short
0,28
0,008235294
Long
1,13
0,033235294
Front post
0,11
0,003235294
Central
1,04
0,030588235
Far post
0,26
0,007058824
Two player zonal
0,24
0,007058824
Four player zonal
0,62
0,018235294
Five player zonal
0,55
0,016176471
Six player zonal
0
0
In the table above I’ve divided the corners into certain categories to assess how many xG has been generated per corner type. If we look at which side is most successful in generating that xG, then this is the left side. When we look whether short or long corners generate the most xG, then it is the long corner option.
When we have a look at which zone – the ball is being delivered into – generates the most xG in these games, then we can conclude that the central zone generates the most xG. Finally, if we look at the successful generating xG against certain zonal structures, we can conclude that Arsenal generates the most xG against four player zonal structures in the six-yard box.
Successful routines
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #1 from Arsenal. The corner comes from the left from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out away from the six-yard box, rather than swing in. The position of the runners is deeper because the ball will come between six-yard box and penalty spot.
Arsenal lines up with one player in the six-yard box and with three player outside the six-yard box who will make runs forward. Two players are standing outside the penalty area in case of a cleared ball and/or as the first line of defence. They will make runs into the panty area as well. Deep outside the penalty are we have another Arsenal player
As soon as the ball is kicked, we see the three runners making runs, with two of them going to the front post, as well as the player in the six-yard box. They manage to lose their direct marker and this example it is Miedema who scores an excellent goal.
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #2 from Arsenal. The corner comes from the left from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out away from the six-yard box, rather than swing in. The position of the runners is deeper because the ball will come between six-yard box and penalty spot.
Arsenal lines up with one player in the six-yard box and with five player outside the six-yard box who will make runs forward. Two players are standing outside the penalty area in case of a cleared ball and/or as the first line of defence. They will make runs into the panty area as well.
As soon as the ball is kicked, we see the five runners making runs. As the ball is played deep to the far post, we see that the players as a unit occupy the central zones and the far post zones. This means that Wubben-Moy can profit at the back post, because of the numbers in the six-yard box.
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #3 from Arsenal. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box, rather than swing out. The position of the runners is closer to the goal as the ball will be delivered close to the six-yard box.
There are three players outside the penalty area with two players close to the edge in the central zones, and one player on the right. There is one player in the six-yard box, while we have two units of two at the far post zones. These two units will attack the ball when it’s played close to the far post.
As soon as the ball is played, we can see that the ball is played to the far post zones and that the four players in those two units move to the far post. In the end, it’s Beattie from the unit close to the far post who heads the ball in goal.
Manchester United
Expected goals per corner
Game
Side
Foot
Swing
Zonal structure
Length
Zone
xG
Goal
Minute
Bristol City
Left
Right
In
Four player
Long
Front post
0,39
No
39
Bristol City
Right
Right
Out
Five player
Long
Central
0
No
43
Bristol City
Right
Right
Out
Five player
Long
Far post
0
No
67
Bristol City
Right
Right
Out
Five player
Long
Central
0
No
88
Tottenham Hotspur
Left
Right
In
Four player
Long
Far post
0,14
No
18
Tottenham Hotspur
Left
Right
In
Three player
Long
Far post
0
No
23
Tottenham Hotspur
Left
Right
In
Three player
Long
Central
0,01
No
72
Tottenham Hotspur
Left
Right
In
Three player
Long
Central
0
No
87
Brighton and Hove Albion
Right
Right
Out
Five player
Long
Central
0,03
No
26
Brighton and Hove Albion
Right
Right
Out
Five player
Long
Central
0,18
No
32
Brighton and Hove Albion
Right
Right
Out
Five player
Long
Front post
0
No
41
Brighton and Hove Albion
Right
Right
Out
Five player
Long
Far post
0,08
No
50
Brighton and Hove Albion
Left
Right
In
Five player
Long
Front post
0,02
No
53
Brighton and Hove Albion
Right
Right
Out
Five player
Long
Central
0,06
No
74
Brighton and Hove Albion
Right
Right
Out
Five player
Long
Central
0
No
82
Brighton and Hove Albion
Left
Right
In
Five player
Long
Central
0,15
No
90
West Ham United
Left
Right
In
Five player
Long
Central
0,01
No
13
West Ham United
Right
Right
Out
Five player
Long
Far post
0,35
No
36
West Ham United
Left
Right
In
Five player
Long
Front post
0,01
No
39
West Ham United
Left
Right
In
Five player
Long
Front post
0,03
No
40
West Ham United
Left
Right
In
Five player
Long
Central
0,41
Yes
49
West Ham United
Right
Right
Out
Five player
Long
Central
0
No
58
West Ham United
Right
Right
Out
Five player
Long
Far post
0
No
68
West Ham United
Left
Right
In
Five player
Long
Front post
0
No
86
West Ham United
Left
Right
In
Five player
Long
Far post
0,07
No
89
In the table above you see every corner taken by Manchester United in their games against Bristol City, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Hove Albion, and West Ham United. What is interesting is that there are 25 corners taken by the Manchester United team, none have been short. In total Manchester United have generated 2,57 expected goals from those 34 corners. That is an average of 0,415 xG per game via corners.
In the game against Bristol City, Manchester United have generated 0,39 xG. In their game against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United have generated 0,15 xG. In their game against Brighton, Manchester United have generated 0,52 xG. In their game against West Ham United, Manchester United have generated 0,88 xG.
Corner type
Total xG
Average xG
Left
1,24
0,0496
Right
1,33
0,0532
Swing in
1,24
0,0496
Swing out
1,33
0,0532
Short
0
0
Long
2,57
0,1028
Front post
0,45
0,018
Central
0,85
0,034
Far post
1,27
0,0508
Three player zonal
0,01
0,0004
Four player zonal
0,53
0,0212
Five player zonal
2,03
0,0812
In the table above I’ve divided the corners into certain categories to assess how many xG has been generated per corner type. If we look at which side is most successful in generating that xG, then this is the right side. When we look at whether short or long corners generate the most xG, then it is the long corner option – because there have not been short passes.
When we have a look at which zone – the ball is being delivered into – generates the most xG in these games, then we can conclude that the far post zone generates the most xG. Finally, if we look at the successful generating xG against certain zonal structures, we can conclude that Manchester United generates the most xG against five player zonal structures in the six-yard box.
Successful routines
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #1 from Manchester United. The corner comes from the right from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out away from the six-yard box, rather than swing in. The positioning of the runners will be different as their runs will be more conservative as the ball is played between the six-yard box and the penalty spot.
There is one player to the right who is available for the short pass option, but she makes her way into the penalty area. In the six-yard box, we see a player against the two player zonal structure employed by Bristol City in this particular game. There are four runners who will make runs towards the six-yard box to attack the corner.
As soon as the ball is played, we can see that the ball is played to the far post zones and that the four players each move into a different position to enhance the chance of getting at the end of the cross. Ultimately it’s Turner at the far post who scores the goal.
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #2 from Manchester United. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box, rather than swing out. The positioning of the runners will be different as their runs will be more progressive as the ball is played in the six-yard box.
In this game against Manchester City we see two players outside the penalty area. They are tasked with dealing with the cleared balls and attacking them, but also with the first line of rest-defence in case of a counter-attack. In the penalty area, we see four players on the edge of the six-yard box, one making a run from deeper in the penalty area, and one player in the six-yard box.
As soon as the ball is played, we can see that the ball is played between the front post zones and the central zones, with six players in the six-yard box. The players move towards the front post and perhaps it doesn’t seem flawless, but in the end, Manchester United score a very important goal against Manchester City.
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #3 from Manchester United. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box, rather than swing out. The positioning of the runners will be different as their runs will be more progressive as the ball is played in the six-yard box.
In this game against Tottenham Hotspur, we see two players in the six-yard box. On the right we see a player who is available for the short pass option, and on the edge of the penalty area, we see two players who are tasked with attacking the cleared balls – and guarding the first defensive line of rest-defence. There is one player on the edge of the six-yard box and one player who is situated on the deep far post zone.
As soon as the ball is played, we can see that the ball is played between the far post zones and the central zones, with three players in the six-yard box. Two players move to the central zones, luring defenders away from the far post. By creating space at the far post, it becomes easier for the player over there to attempt a shot at goal. The header is well executed and gives Manchester United another goal.
Earlier this week I wrote about OH Leuven’s attacking corners. I didn’t only look at their routines, but also had a look at their deliveries, the expected goals generated per corner and the average xG generated by corner type. I’m going to do this as well, but this time concentrating on the Women’s Super League in England.
In this analysis I will look closely to the top-4 in England: Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United. I will analyse their expected goals from corners, how their deliveries are, their average xG per corner type and some of their successful corner routines. This is part one and will look at Chelsea and Manchester City.
I’ve chosen to look at the top-4 because I wanted to get a better idea of what the corners are in the WSL and because these top-4 teams, also are the top-4 when it comes to scored goals from corners. To get a good view of the attacking corners in this particular league, these teams are definitely worth watching in my opinion. I’m going to look at their last 4/5 games of the WSL 2020-2021 season to assess the generated xG.
Chelsea
Expected goals per corner
Game
Side
Foot
Swing
Zonal structure
Length
Zone
xG
Goal
Minute
Tottenham
Left
Right
In
Two player
Long
Central
0,22
No
13
Tottenham
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
19
Tottenham
Left
Right
In
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
36
Tottenham
Left
Right
In
Two player
Long
Front post
0
No
74
Tottenham
Left
Right
In
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
79
Tottenham
Left
Right
In
Two player
Long
Central
0,04
No
85
Manchester City
Right
Right
Out
Four player
Long
Central
0,28
No
15
Manchester City
Left
Right
In
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
18
Manchester City
Right
Right
Out
Four player
Long
Front post
0,15
Yes
25
Manchester City
Right
Right
Out
Four player
Long
Front post
0,11
No
70
Birmingham City
Left
Right
In
Three player
Long
Far post
0,09
No
18
Birmingham City
Left
Right
In
Three player
Long
Front post
0
No
50
Birmingham City
Left
Left
Out
Three player
Long
Central
0,05
No
56
Birmingham City
Right
Left
In
Three player
Long
Front post
0
No
60
Birmingham City
Right
Left
In
Three player
Short
Far post
0
No
60
Birmingham City
Right
Left
In
Three player
Short
Front post
0,01
No
64
Birmingham City
Left
Left
Out
Three player
Long
Central
0,07
No
89
Birmingham City
Left
Left
Out
Three player
Short
Central
0,37
No
90
Aston Villa
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Central
0,01
No
12
Aston Villa
Right
Right
Out
Two player
Long
Front post
0
No
20
Aston Villa
Right
Right
Out
Two player
Long
Central
0,11
No
20
Aston Villa
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Far post
0
No
28
Aston Villa
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Front post
0,22
No
44
Aston Villa
Left
Right
In
Two player
Long
Far post
0
No
46
Aston Villa
Left
Left
Out
Two player
Long
Far post
0
No
72
Everton
Left
Left
Out
Two player
Long
Front post
0
No
3
Everton
Left
Left
Out
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
3
Everton
Left
Left
Out
Two player
Long
Front post
0
No
22
Everton
Left
Left
Out
Two player
Long
Central
0,43
No
25
Everton
Left
Left
Out
Two player
Long
Front post
0
No
29
Everton
Left
Left
Out
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
33
Everton
Left
Right
In
Two player
Long
Front post
0,01
No
85
In the table above you see every corner taken by Chelsea in their games against Tottenham Hotsp uts, Manchester City, Birmingham City, Aston Villa and Everton. What is interesting is that there are 32 corners taken by the Chelsea team, but only 2 of those corners have been short. In total Chelsea have generated 2,16 expected goals from those 32 corners. That is an average of 0,432 xG per game via corners.
In the game against Tottenham Hotspurs, Chelsea have generated 0,26 xG. In their game against Manchester City, Chelsea have generated 0,54 xG. In their game against Birmingham City, Chelsea have generated 0,59 xG. In their game against Aston Villa, Chelsea have generated 0,34 xG. And, in their game against Everton they have generated 0,44 xG.
Corner type
Total xG
Average xG
Left
1,28
0,256
Right
0,89
0,178
Swing in
0,6
0,12
Swing out
1,57
0,314
Short
0,38
0,076
Long
1,78
0,356
Front post
0,5
0,1
Central
1,58
0,316
Far post
0,09
0,018
Two player zonal
1,04
0,208
Three player zonal
0,59
0,118
Four player zonal
0,54
0,108
In the table above I’ve divided the corners into certain categories to assess how many xG has been generated per corner type. If we look at which side is most successful in generating that xG, then this is the left side. When we look whether short or long corners generate the most xG, then it is the long corner option.
When we have a look at which zone – the ball is being delivered into – generates the most xG in these games, then we can conclude that the central zone generates the most xG. Finally, if we look at the successful generating xG against certain zonal structures, we can conclude that Chelsea generates the most xG against two player zonal structures in the six-yard box.
Successful corner routines
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #1 from Chelsea in their game against Manchester City. The corner comes from the right from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out towards the penalty spot, rather than swing in. The position of the runners is deeper because the ball will come between six-yard box and penalty spot.
Chelsea lines up with three players just outside the six-yard bod and with two player inside the penalty area. One player in that area is more advanced to the right, while the other play is just inside the penalty area. Outside the penalty area we have two players, both with different tasks. One player will make a run into the penalty area, while the other one is more tasked with getting the cleared balls or guarding the first line of rest-defence.
As soon as the ball is kicked, we see everyone making runs, but with the ball coming between the six-yard box and the penalty spot – the runners from the edge of the penalty area will move in that direction and this is how Kerr gets on the end of it and scores a header at the front post.
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #2 from Chelsea in their game against Brighton and Hove Albion. The corner comes from the right from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out towards the penalty spot, rather than swing in. The position of the runners is deeper because the ball will come between six-yard box and penalty spot.
We see two players in the six-yard box against a three player zonal structure. On the penalty spot we have three players from Chelsea who will make a run towards the ball as soon as the ball is kicked. There are two player outside the penalty area, one is for the short pass option and the other one is there for the cleared balls and/or first line of rest-defence in case of a counter-attack from this set-piece.
As soon as the ball is kicked, we see the trio of runners making movements towards the front post – but Kerr switches off and goes centrally instead of to the front post, because space has been created there. She gets on the end of the ball and guides the ball with her head to the top corner at the far post.
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #3 from Chelsea in their game against Reading. The corner comes from the left from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out towards the penalty spot, rather than swing in. The position of the runners is deeper because the ball will come between six-yard box and penalty spot.
We see one player in the six-yard box against a two player zonal structure. In the penalty area we have two units of two player who will make their runs forward as soon as the ball is kicked.
As the ball is kicked we see that the two units form a line of four and move forwards towards the six-yard vox, and at the same time the player in the six-yard box loses her marker and goes to the front post. She creates space in the middle for the runners, but in this case she manages to score a header into the far post.
Manchester City
Expected goals per corner
Game
Side
Foot
Swing
Zonal structure
Length
Zone
xG
Goal
Minute
Birmingham City
Right
Left
In
One player
Long
Far post
0
No
1
Birmingham City
Left
Right
In
One player
Long
Far post
0
No
28
Birmingham City
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
52
Birmingham City
Left
Left
Out
Three player
Long
Central
0
No
54
Birmingham City
Right
Left
In
Three player
Long
Far post
0
No
54
Birmingham City
Right
Left
In
Three player
Short
Central
0
No
61
Birmingham City
Left
Left
Out
Three player
Long
Central
0
No
62
Birmingham City
Left
Left
Out
Three player
Long
Front post
0,08
No
64
Birmingham City
Left
Left
Out
Three player
Short
Front post
0
No
71
Birmingham City
Left
Left
Out
Three player
Long
Central
0
No
74
Birmingham City
Right
Right
Out
Three player
Short
Central
0
No
74
Birmingham City
Right
Left
In
Three player
Long
Far post
0,16
No
76
Birmingham City
Right
Right
Out
Three player
Long
Front post
0,47
Yes
84
Birmingham City
Left
Left
Out
Three player
Short
Far post
0
No
86
Birmingham City
Right
Right
Out
Three player
Long
Central
0,45
Yes
94
Chelsea
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
9
Chelsea
Right
Left
In
Four player
Long
Central
0
No
39
Chelsea
Right
Left
In
Four player
Long
Far post
0
No
44
Chelsea
Right
Right
Out
Four player
Long
Central
0
No
46
Chelsea
Left
Left
Out
Three player
Long
Central
0
No
51
Chelsea
Right
Right
Out
Four player
Long
Central
0
No
57
Chelsea
Right
Left
In
Four player
Long
Central
0,07
No
79
Chelsea
Left
Left
Out
Four player
Long
Far post
0
No
91
Tottenham
Left
Right
In
Two player
Long
Central
0,07
Goal
4
Tottenham
Left
Right
In
Two player
Long
Far post
0
No
16
Tottenham
Left
Right
In
Two player
Short
Far post
0
No
32
Tottenham
Right
Right
Out
Three player
Long
Far post
0,04
No
46
Tottenham
Left
Right
In
Two player
Long
Central
0,47
No
47
Tottenham
Left
Right
In
Three player
Long
Front post
0
No
51
Tottenham
Left
Right
In
One player
Long
Central
0,12
No
72
Reading
Left
Right
In
Three player
Long
Front post
0
No
7
Reading
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
13
Reading
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Front post
0,04
No
39
Reading
Left
Left
Out
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
50
Reading
Left
Right
In
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
56
Reading
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Far post
0
No
62
Reading
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Front post
0
No
69
Reading
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Far post
0
No
69
Reading
Left
Left
Out
Two player
Long
Central
0,27
No
70
Reading
Right
Left
In
Two player
Long
Central
0
No
82
In the table above you see every corner taken by Manchester City in their games against Birmingham City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Reading. What is interesting is that there are 40 corners taken by the Manchester City team, but only 4 of those corners have been short. In total Manchester City have generated 2,24 expected goals from those 40 corners. That is an average of 0,067 xG per game via corners.
In the game against Birmingham City, Manchester City have generated 1,16 xG. In their game against Chelsea, Manchester City have generated 0,52 xG. In their game against Tottenham Hotspurs, Manchester City have generated 0,7 xG. In their game against Reading, Chelsea have generated 0,31 xG.
Corner type
Total xG
Average xG
Left
1,01
0,02525
Right
1,23
0,03075
Swing in
0,93
0,02325
Swing out
1,31
0,03275
Short
0
0
Long
2,24
0,056
Front post
0,59
0,01475
Central
1,45
0,03625
Far post
0,2
0,005
One player zonal
0,12
0,003
Two player zonal
0,85
0,02125
Three player zonal
1,2
0,03
Four player zonal
0,07
0,00175
In the table above I’ve divided the corners into certain categories to assess how many xG has been generated per corner type. If we look at which side is most successful in generating that xG, then this is the right side. When we look whether short or long corners generate the most xG, then it is the long corner option.
When we have a look at which zone – the ball is being delivered into – generates the most xG in these games, then we can conclude that the central zone generates the most xG. Finally, if we look at the successful generating xG against certain zonal structures, we can conclude that Manchester City generates the most xG against three player zonal structures in the six-yard box.
Successful routines
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #1 from Manchester City. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box, rather than swing out. The position of the runners is deeper because the ball will come between six-yard box and penalty spot.
Manchester City lines up with three players just outside the six-yard box and with two player inside the six-yard box. One player in that area is more advanced to the right, while the other play is just inside the penalty area. Outside the penalty area we have two players, both with different tasks.
As soon as the ball is kicked, we see everyone making runs, but an interesting one is that a player makes a run towards the corner from the six-yard box – luring defender with her. This means that here is space created, which a runner takes advantage of and heads the ball in goal from the front post.
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #2 from Manchester City in their game against Aston Villa. The corner comes from the left from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box, rather than swing out. The position of the runners is more towards the six-yard box as the ball will be delivered more towards goal.
We see a three player zonal structure employed by Aston Villa and Manchester City has four players in the six-yard box with one player standing just outside the six-yard box. She will make a run into the box with another play, so that the box will be overloaded with Manchester City player.
As soon as the ball is played, we see that it goes to the front post and Manchester City anticipates that one of the many player will be able to make a good opportunity or score a goal from this particular set piece – which also happens.
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #3 from Manchester City in their game against Arsenal. The corner comes from the left from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box, rather than swing out. The position of the runners is more towards the six-yard box as the ball will be delivered more towards goal.
Manchester City has four players in the six-yard box with one player standing just outside the six-yard box. She will make a run into the box with another play, so that the box will be overloaded with Manchester City players. One player runs out of the box towards the corner, dragging a defender with her
As soon as the ball is played, we see that it goes to the front post and Manchester City anticipates that one of the many players will be able to make a good opportunity or score a goal from this particular set-piece – which also happens. This is routine is quite similar to routine #2, but it uses an element of routine #1 – the dragging of the defender to open up space at the front post.
