The ultimate Premier League set-piece specialists | OneFootball

The number of set-pieces a team scores is undoubtedly an important marker, but it's also important to factor in how well teams defend them - and, in terms of overall efficacy, Brentford have been the Premier League's best operators in 2024/25.

Thomas Frank's Bees have a reputation as a smart data-led club, and the Londoners - who reportedly incentivise players by displaying the club's set-piece goal tally in their canteen - have excelled at both ends of the pitch in this regard.

Brentford secured a 4-2 win over Brighton last weekend to keep their outside chances of a European spot alive, and their final goal of the afternoon came from Christian Norgaard's flicked header from an excellent free-kick delivery from Mathias Jensen.

That goal was the Bees' 11th from a dead-ball (excluding penalties) this season, making Frank's men the fifth-most prolific side in the Premier League from set-pieces during the current campaign.

The only teams to net more goals outside of free-play (excluding spot-kicks, as mentioned!) are Crystal Palace (15), Aston Villa, Arsenal and Forest (all 14).

However, where Brentford really come into their own is in how they have defended their box from set-pieces. With the likes of Nathan Collins and Sepp van den Berg to the fore, the west London side has impressively shipped just two goals all season from set-pieces.

Man City (5 conceded) have been the next stingiest team when it comes to goals conceded from free-kicks, corners and throw-ins.

With 11 scored and just two conceded from set-pieces, Brentford have a set-piece goal difference this season of +9...which puts them out on their own in the top flight.

Palace (+8) are the 'next best' in the top tier, with Forest and Villa (both +7) close behind the Eagles.

For a rundown of every Premier League with a positive 'set-piece goal difference', check out the Playmaker graphic below.