Fabian Hürzeler believes set pieces have become one of the Premier League’s defining tactical trends.
The Brighton set-piece focus now extends beyond corners and free-kicks, with the head coach also treating throw-ins and kick-offs as structured attacking opportunities.
Speaking during Brighton’s official end-of-season interview, Hürzeler identified dead-ball situations as a major area of change across English football.
“One big change is definitely the set-piece trend,” he said.
Hürzeler explained that a stopped ball allows teams to plan their positioning and movements in far greater detail. Brighton therefore view kick-offs as set pieces because every player can begin from a predetermined position.
Long throw-ins have also become increasingly dangerous. They can function like crosses into the penalty area, forcing defenders to deal with blocks, runners and physical pressure around the six-yard box.
Brighton set-piece focus centres on small margins
Hürzeler believes a single movement can change the outcome of an entire routine.
One effective block can free a teammate, while a brief loss of concentration may allow an opponent to run into space. Accurate delivery then increases the punishment for even the smallest positional mistake.
Brighton’s defensive work in these situations was particularly strong last season. Albion conceded the joint-fewest set-piece goals in the Premier League alongside Arsenal, according to a previous ReadBrighton analysis of why the club’s attacking output still required improvement.
There is more room to improve at the opposite end. Brighton scored 52 league goals last season, but their attacking routines did not consistently produce the same advantage seen in their defensive record.
Hürzeler’s comments suggest the work will continue throughout pre-season. Brighton must prepare for European football alongside another demanding Premier League campaign, increasing the value of repeatable routines when open-play opportunities become limited.
The Brighton set-piece focus is therefore not a minor coaching detail. Hürzeler views every restart as a chance to gain control, create danger or prevent an opponent from exploiting the smallest lapse.
