TA wrote an article using data to analyze the current transformation of the fifth Crystal Palace in the Premier League in recent years, and the team's performance in corner kicks is particularly outstanding.
In the 2023-24 season before coach Glasner took office, Crystal Palace's 100-point corner kick rate was only 1.7, ranking last in the Premier League. In the 2024-25 season, the data soared to 6.4, and the expected goal value of 100 corner kicks was even the best in the league with a 6.6 statute, completing a complete transformation.
This successful transformation mainly stems from two core elements. One is accurate passes. Hughes, Walton and others can send high-quality crosses to accurately hit different areas of the opponent's defense line.
The second is to create space for the centre-backs and give full play to the air advantages of Lacroix, Richards and Guy. At the tactical level, the most critical detail is the use of forward Matt Tower as a "barrier". His role is very flexible, sometimes directly interfering with the goalkeeper, creating headers for his teammates, and sometimes he is responsible for blocking the opponent's core defensive players and creating a one-on-one situation for his central defenders in key positions. Through these changing running and cover routines, Crystal Palace can always create a deadly gap.
Although Crystal Palace's core idea of corner kick offensive is not complicated, its changing tactical routines and excellent passing quality often make the opponent unable to defend.