How are Premier League teams using NFL tactics to improve their set pieces?

Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Brentford, and Aston Villa are hiring dedicated set piece coaches and borrowing strategies from American football, such as the "Love Train" corner routine and physical "screening" tactics, to create more effective set piece plays and score more goals.

What is Arsenal's "Love Train" corner routine?

Arsenal's "Love Train" corner routine is inspired by NFL formations, where players line up in a tight formation rather than being fully spaced out. This creates confusion for defenders and allows Arsenal's aerial threats, like Gabriel, to get free headers on goal.

How have Premier League teams' set piece strategies evolved in recent years?

Over the past five seasons, Premier League teams have invested heavily in set piece coaching and tactics, moving away from basic routines to much more intricate and innovative plays. This has led to a surge in set piece goals across the league, with teams like Arsenal, Brentford, and Tottenham Hotspur leading the way.

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Premier League Clubs Borrow NFL Tactics to Dominate Set Pieces

12 Nov

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Summary

Premier League teams embracing set piece specialists and NFL-inspired tactics
Arsenal's "Love Train" corner routine and Gabriel's aerial dominance
Clubs like Brentford, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace also excelling at set pieces

Premier League Clubs Borrow NFL Tactics to Dominate Set Pieces

As of November 2025, the Premier League has seen a surge in set piece dominance, with teams like Arsenal, Brentford, and Tottenham Hotspur leading the charge. Clubs have embraced specialized set piece coaches and are borrowing tactics from the NFL to gain an advantage.

Arsenal, in particular, has become renowned for their set piece prowess. Under manager Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have generated the most expected goals (xG) from set pieces (38.91) and scored 24 goals directly from corners since the start of the 2023-24 season - six more than the next best team. Much of this success is attributed to their "Love Train" corner routine, inspired by the NFL, which features players in a tight formation to create confusion and open up space for their aerial threats.

Brentford and Aston Villa have also found success with set piece-focused strategies. Brentford's long throws have become a trademark, while Villa have utilized physical "screening" tactics similar to the NFL to create space for their attackers. Even Tottenham, Crystal Palace, and other Premier League clubs have dedicated set piece coaches and are constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve.

The trend of borrowing ideas from American football has been a game-changer, with managers like Gareth Southgate and Arteta openly acknowledging their NFL influences. As the benefits of these tactics become more apparent, it's clear that set pieces will continue to play a crucial role in the Premier League for years to come.

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