Targeting corners is not the only tactical throwback taking place in the Premier League.
The long throw, popularised by former Stoke City defender Rory Delap between 2008 and 2012, has also been on the rise.
Brentford, under the stewardship of former set-piece coach Keith Andrews, have utilised the tactic particularly effectively this season via defender Michael Kayode.
His battery of long throws have proved to be an extremely potent weapon, with one leading to Dango Ouattara’s opening goal in the 3-2 win against Liverpool on Saturday – one of eight league goals the Bees have scored from a throw-in since the start of last season.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot said: “They’re a very good team in winning duels and second balls and you have to give them credit for that.
“It’s also difficult to win a game of football if the set-piece balance is in their favour.”
After Manchester City edged a 1-0 win at Gtech Community Stadium last month, match-winner Erling Haaland said: “It was a tough game and reminded me of Stoke City with Rory Delap 15 years ago.”
