Overview
- Rory Delap told Ladbrokes, as reported by the Mirror, that Arsenal once wanted throw-ins scrapped in favor of kick-ins during the Stoke long-throw era.
- Arsène Wenger previously condemned Stoke’s approach, saying the Delap-led long throws made it feel more like rugby than football.
- This season's focus on dead balls is pronounced, with Arsenal leading the Premier League in set-piece goals despite not scoring from a long throw.
- Brentford and Crystal Palace have each logged three goals from long throws this term, underscoring uneven effectiveness across clubs.
- Throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark criticized many current long throws as low quality, while Delap argued dedicated set-piece roles reflect how crucial these situations have become.