Here’s a look at the seven clubs who have scored the most goals from free-kick, excluding direct shots, so far in the Premier League this season…
Liverpool – 3
It makes sense that runaway leaders Liverpool are among the Premier League’s best at making use of free-kick situations this season, with three goals scored that way in 2019/20.
Last season, the Reds led the way with free-kick goals, excluding direct shots, managing seven.
Crystal Palace – 3
Set pieces form a noteworthy part of Crystal Palace’s goalscoring and has done and off for much of their spell in the Premier League, with the Eagles often among the most prolific.
This season’s three goals from non-direct free-kicks is already just one shy last season’s final tally of four. The best Palace have managed in the past was seven in 2014/15 to lead the Premier League.
Brighton – 3
Brighton are doing their best to extend their stay in the Premier League to a fourth consecutive season by beating relegation for a third time.
Rather like fierce rivals Palace, the Seagulls are also only one non-direct free-kick goal away from matching last season’s tally – there are still 12 games of 2019/20 left to play.
Bournemouth – 3
Bournemouth have been strong proponents of free-kick scenarios for a number of seasons now and have got three goals from non-direct situations so far in 2019/20.
In each of the last three seasons the Cherries were among the top five in the Premier League in this category, peaking at seven goals from free-kicks, excluding direct shots, in 2016/17.
Southampton – 4
Southampton’s revival under Ralph Hasenhuttl has been impressive, not least considering that the Saints were humiliated 9-0 by Leicester only a few short months ago.
Part of the mini-revolution has seen Southampton learn to capitalise on free-kick situations. James Ward-Prowse in particular is a proven star when it comes to direct shots, but the Saints have also scored four times from free-kicks excluding direct efforts.
Aston Villa – 4
It usually helps if struggling teams like Aston Villa can get themselves goals from free-kick situations and their edge in such a category over the few teams below them in the Premier League table could be the difference between staying up and relegation.
Towards the end of Villa’s original Premier League stint, non-direct free-kick goals weren’t something they were known for and didn’t feature among the best prior to 2016 relegation.
Newcastle – 5
In light of the negative public reaction to Steve Bruce’s appointment in the summer, Newcastle have overachieved this season and free-kick goals have played an important role.
The Magpies have been one of the Premier League’s most goal-shy teams as it is, but without their five free-kick goals, excluding direct shots, they would have netted only 19 teams.
What’s more, free-kicks are something that Newcastle haven’t been exploiting enough in recent years as they haven’t appeared in the top five in any of the previous seven seasons.
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Source : 90min