Published: 10:57, 30 October 2025 | Updated: 10:57, 30 October 2025

There is no doubt that 2025-26 has become the season of the set piece.

Almost 19 percent of all goals in the Premier League so far (45 of 241) have been scored from corners, the highest share in the competition's history, while 35.3 per cent of goals (85) have come from any form of set piece including penalties.

This week, Man City boss Pep Guardiola even described how most away games are now like facing Stoke City under Tony Pulis as an obsession with dead-ball situations engulfs the top flight. Ironically, City are the only team to score all of their goals from open play.

But, what if those set piece strikes were ignored?

Well, according to statistics courtesy of Opta, there would be a dramatic shake-up at the top of the Premier League.

In fact, leaders Arsenal, who currently have a four-point lead in first place, would drop down to fifth with seven points fewer.

Tottenham would be top of the Premier League if only goals from...