Premier League chiefs discuss rise of set-piece goals and holding

The Premier League’s sporting directors have met to discuss the ubiquity of set-piece goals and holding inside the penalty area, amid concerns these trends are harming the spectacle. Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot said this week that his “football heart doesn’t like it” when asked about the growing importance of set pieces, which have been responsible for 27.1% of Premier League goals this season, excluding penalties.

Sporting directors meet regularly and set pieces have been a recent topic of conversation. Managers and captains also hold regular dialogue that helps shape the Premier League’s Football Principles, which influence how matches are refereed. The league consults all stakeholders, including fans, through its annual Football Survey, and that process can prompt changes.

The refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials instituted a clampdown on players holding in the penalty area after talks with the Premier League last summer.

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