The Premier League 2025-26 season has been dominated by set-piece goals and long throws, leading to widespread frustration. Critics argue that the reliance on such tactics has diminished the quality of play, with matches often descending into chaotic ball-flinging rather than showcasing skill and invention.
Manchester City's third kit for the season, designed to resemble a rain-flecked window, was widely mocked. The club described it as a tribute to Mancunian weather, but fans and pundits alike deemed it unnecessary. City have since abandoned the design for an AI-generated alternative for 2026-27.
A controversial VAR decision during Arsenal's match at West Ham highlighted the lawlessness in the penalty area during set pieces. Replays showed multiple players fouling each other, with no attempt to win the ball. The incident was described as emblematic of a broader issue where set pieces have become a primary means of scoring, even for top teams.
Arsenal set a record for the most goals from corners in a Premier League season, fuelled by accurate deliveries and aggressive tactics. While effective, this approach has drawn criticism for prioritising physicality over creativity. Calls for rule changes to restore balance have grown louder, though no concrete solutions have been proposed.
