Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that set-pieces have become a growing threat once again in the Premier League, likening the current trend to the days of Tony Pulis’ Stoke City.
Recent statistics show that almost 19 percent of all Premier League goals this season have come from corners — nearly five percent higher than in any other campaign.
Guardiola noted that many teams are now treating throw-ins like corner kicks, packing the box to exploit aerial situations.
“It’s true that people use every throw-in like a corner and put 10 players there in the box,” Guardiola said.
“We suffered when we played at Brentford, or look at Brentford against Liverpool, every action (Michael) Kayode put in the box. Today set-pieces are a real threat.”
The City boss compared the trend to past Premier League sides known for their physicality and aerial dominance.
“I remember a long time ago with Sean Dyche’s Burnley — they were incredible with long balls and second balls. It’s not new; Dyche, Sam Allardyce, and Stoke City all mastered it,” he added.
“When I was at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Arsène Wenger talked about how tough it was to play at Stoke. Now, that happens a lot more often.”
Guardiola’s comments highlight a tactical shift in English football, with teams increasingly using set-pieces and long throws as key attacking weapons.
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