BBC Sport speaks to coaches about the rise of set-piece experts, with teams competing for marginal gains.
"It's not a unique Brentford thing, it's something even the biggest clubs are implementing," says Bees director of football Phil Giles. "That's the bit where most people look at it and go, actually, this is a more recognised part of the game."
The set-piece coach highlights the importance placed on the fine margins clubs are now searching for to get ahead. "The ball being in your own half or in the middle of the pitch, it's a little bit more tricky so it's a bit unusual to do three in a row, but it's a situation you can kind of plan for and control.
He was replaced by Jover, who is now in control of Arsenal's set-pieces after being at Manchester City, while Chelsea paid £750,000 to bring Cueva to Stamford Bridge in the summer. "That's not how we intended it but it's hopefully a good reflection on the environment we have, that allows coaches to come in and be successful."
"In 2017-18 when we won the league, 30-31% of all goals we scored were after a set-piece. There's very tough data telling you, yes, there's definitely a correlation for winning games," director of football Peter Sand told BBC Sport.The 'draught excluder' has become a feature for defending free-kicks There needs to be buy-in for the position to work, and Austin MacPhee was one of the only staff kept on when Unai Emery replaced Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa two years ago.MacPhee - who joined Villa from Midtjylland in 2021 - was also Scotland's set-piece coach but stepped down last month to spend more time with his ill father.
"It's just whether you've got enough time to work on that but I'm not surprised he's at Aston Villa and doing well. He communicates very well and he's one of the standouts in the Premier League when it comes to that role." He said: "The difference in the past was that managers who wanted to work on them, did so themselves.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Aston Villa official statement blames Premier League PSR for crazy Champions League ticket pricesThe Mag
Read more »
Behind The Whistle: Former Premier League referee Chris Foy explains the latest League Two decisionsIn Behind the Whistle, former Premier League referee Chris Foy goes through a selection of key match decisions from the latest League Two action.
Read more »
Where to watch Manchester United today? Live stream & TV channel for Man Utd's upcoming gamesFollow Man Utd's live schedule in the Premier League, Champions League and all major competitions.
Read more »
Arsenal's set-piece strength exposes Tottenham's biggest weakness again - Premier League hits and missesThe Sky Sports writers assess Arsenal's North London derby win over Tottenham, including the Gunners' set-piece prowess.
Read more »
'You nasty piece of work' - Piers Morgan blasts Premier League superstarPiers Morgan blasted Premier League top goalscorer and Manchester City star Erling Haaland for 'belittling' a 17-year-old opponent.
Read more »
Ricky Ponting appointed Punjab Kings coach in Indian Premier LeagueFormer Australia captain Ricky Ponting is appointed head coach of Punjab Kings after leaving fellow Indian Premier League side Delhi Capitals.
Read more »