Set Pieces News, Transfers & Highlights
Latest Set Pieces News
Anfield's Achilles Heel: Can Leeds Exploit Liverpool's Set-Piece Crisis?
Liverpool enter 2026 with a glaring vulnerability: 12 goals conceded from set-pieces, the worst record across Europe's elite leagues. Facing them is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, riding the longest scoring streak by an English striker since Jamie Vardy. With Leeds already securing a dramatic 3-3 draw at Elland Road in December, Thursday's encounter promises tactical intrigue beyond the fixture's traditional rivalry.
Set-Piece Kryptonite: Chelsea’s Aerial Frailty Undoes Estêvão’s Masterclass
The Blues stumble into 2026 as Bournemouth exploits a chronic defensive weakness to snatch a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. Despite Estêvão Willian’s electric performance and Cole Palmer’s composure, Enzo Maresca’s side remains haunted by defensive disorganization.
Champions' Crisis: Slot's Liverpool Stall as Title Defense Crumbles
Liverpool's goalless stalemate with resilient Leeds United at Anfield marks another dispiriting chapter in what has become a disastrous title defense. Sitting 12 points adrift of Arsenal with their set-piece woes now chronic, Arne Slot's champions are rapidly fading from contention.
United’s Draw Habit Continues: Leeds Hold Amorim at Elland Road
Manchester United’s climb stalled again as they drew 1–1 with Leeds United in a high-tempo Elland Road battle that swung on two defensive lapses and one rapid response. Leeds extended their unbeaten streak, while Ruben Amorim’s side leaned on Matheus Cunha to rescue a point and briefly move into the top five.
Emergency Protocol: Why Liverpool’s Isak Nightmare Demands the Gonçalo Ramos Solution
With Alexander Isak sidelined for months after the Tottenham clash, Arne Slot faces a tactical crisis. New data suggests PSG's Gonçalo Ramos isn't just a panic loan option—he is the specific pressing monster Liverpool needs to save their title defense.
Craven Cottage Chaos: Harrison Reed’s Stoppage-Time Volley Denies Liverpool
Arne Slot’s side were seconds away from a vital comeback victory before Fulham’s captain intervened in the 97th minute. A chaotic 2-2 draw, marred by a lengthy medical delay, leaves the Reds clinging to fourth place as their former winger and an unlikely hero combined to spoil the party.
The £230m Misfire: Amorim’s Rigid 'System' Sparks Early Crisis at Old Trafford
Two games, one point, and a tactical blueprint that opponents are already reading out loud. As Ruben Amorim digs his heels in over a controversial 3-4-3, the exclusion of Kobbie Mainoo and Alex Iwobi's damning post-match comments suggest Manchester United’s latest revolution is already stalling.
Juventus Plot Ambush for Real Madrid’s ‘Castilla Jewel’ Gonzalo García to Solve Yildiz Crisis
With Kenan Yıldız facing burnout under Luciano Spalletti’s demanding regime, Juventus have identified Real Madrid’s Gonzalo García as the ideal winter reinforcement. However, Xabi Alonso’s squad management and a shock loan exit at the Bernabéu threaten to derail the deal before it begins.
Emery’s Tactical Masterclass: How Aston Villa’s 11th Straight Win Exposed Chelsea’s Lack of ‘Killer Instinct’
Unai Emery's Aston Villa extended their historic winning streak to 11 matches with a comeback 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Despite Chelsea's early dominance, the introduction of Ollie Watkins proved decisive, leaving Enzo Maresca searching for answers to his side's recurring clinical deficiencies.
Why Liam Rosenior Has Emerged as Chelsea’s Leading Head Coach Candidate
Chelsea’s latest managerial reset has triggered a familiar shortlisting process, but this time the internal dynamics point strongly in one direction. Liam Rosenior’s rise inside the BlueCo ecosystem, combined with his Strasbourg performance metrics, has positioned him ahead of more established names.
The Eternal No. 9: Giroud’s Stoppage-Time Masterclass Rescues Lille in Homecoming Drama
At 39 years old, Olivier Giroud proves he remains Ligue 1's ultimate clutch player, sinking Monaco with a 91st-minute winner. The French legend dismisses national team return rumors in a candid reunion with former teammate Adil Rami, insisting the torch has been passed.
The Metronome Reborn: How Pedri’s 145-Touch Masterclass and 'Impossible' Goal Defined the New Barcelona
Against Levante, Barcelona's midfield maestro didn't just control the game; he saved it. With a goal that defied probability models and possession stats reminiscent of the Xavi era, Pedri is evolving into a total footballer under Hansi Flick.
Rodrygo’s Exit Strategy: Why Madrid’s Star Is Preparing to Leave
Rodrygo’s camp has moved beyond frustration into execution. With a new representation plan and Premier League gravity pulling hard, the Brazilian winger’s Real Madrid chapter is approaching a decisive end.
Barcelona’s Julian Alvarez Temptation Meets Atletico’s New Power
Barcelona’s admiration for Julian Alvarez isn’t going away — but the numbers, the contract, and Atletico Madrid’s new financial muscle make this a transfer story that’s more chess than checkers. With Barca prioritising a left-footed centre-back and Atletico holding the strongest cards, the real question is not desire — it’s leverage.
Mbappé’s Injury Exposes Real Madrid’s Winter Gamble: Why Alonso Has No Safety Net
With Kylian Mbappé sidelined and Endrick freshly loaned to Lyon, Xabi Alonso faces a striker crisis of his own making. The manager must now rely on a misfiring Vinícius Júnior and the teenage prodigy Franco Mastantuono to save Real Madrid’s faltering season.
The Vertical Revolution: How Flick’s ‘Chaos Theory’ and Yamal’s Ascent Redefined Barcelona in 2025
From a historic 169-goal haul to the ‘Spotify Camp Nou’ roar returning, 2025 was the year Barcelona traded control for lethal verticality. We analyze the tactical shifts, the La Masia wage-bill miracle, and the Marcus Rashford gamble that paid off.
Catalan Moneyball: How Flick’s Bargain Trinity Powered Barcelona’s 2025/26 Renaissance
Constrained by stadium debt and strict financial controls, Barcelona turned to smart data and distressed assets last summer. The result? A tactical masterclass featuring a reborn Marcus Rashford, a wall from Espanyol, and a Swedish prodigy purchased for pennies on the euro.
La Fábrica 5-1 Real Betis: Gonzalo García’s Hat-Trick Demolishes La Liga’s Last Unbeaten Away Record
In the absence of Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid turned to their academy to keep the title race alive. A stunning hat-trick from Gonzalo García shattered Real Betis's unbeaten away streak and narrowed the gap to leaders Barcelona to four points.
Inter 3-1 Bologna: Chivu's Side Exorcises Supercoppa Ghosts to Reclaim Summit
Less than three weeks after a heartbreaking penalty shootout exit to Bologna in Riyadh, Inter Milan exacted ruthless revenge at San Siro. Lautaro Martínez inspired a dominant 3-1 victory that vaulted Cristian Chivu's men back to the top of a suffocating four-horse Serie A title race.
Man City 1-1 Chelsea: Enzo Stoppage-Time Equalizer Gifts Arsenal Major Title Advantage
The Premier League title race took a seismic shift at the Etihad as Enzo Fernández's 94th-minute scrap cancelled out Tijjani Reijnders' opener. The 1-1 draw ends Manchester City's three-match winning run over the Blues but leaves Pep Guardiola's side six points adrift of leaders Arsenal, with defensive indiscipline and wasted chances haunting the defending champions.