Last week we looked into what's changed in how Premier League teams are taking corners, and saw that there are now fewer short routines, and more direct and deep deliveries into the box. This week we focus on outcomes - and look at when do those deliveries turn into shots? Which target zones actually pay off? And which teams are doing this better than everyone else?
Shots from corners in the Premier League (2025–26)
Across the league, corners produce 1.34 shots per 90. The split is 41% first phase and 59% second phase. In short: teams are turning more corners into repeatable first contacts and doing a better job of structuring the second-ball moments that follow.
Our analysis shows that Arsenal and West Ham are excellent at sustaining pressure after the initial contest. Villa combine a strong first contact with competent second-ball work.
First vs second phase
Danger from a corner doenst end after first contact, and we see that a large share of value is created during the fight for the second ball. Most teams train this as a separate part of the corner plan and have a clear idea about who attacks what zone in each phase.
So we broke down the corner routine in those two main phases.
- First phase (0–3 seconds after delivery): the shot arrives directly from the corner action—typically the first contact (header/volley) or a clean second touch before the defense has reset.
- Second phase (3–10 seconds after delivery): the initial contest ends and the ball is recycled via a knock-down, partial clearance, back-post chaos or a quick cut-back once the block has shifted.
First phase leaders: shots per 90 from the first phase of corners
- Aston Villa — 0.97
- Fulham — 0.97
- Leeds — 0.90
- Nottingham Forest — 0.83
- Crystal Palace — 0.81
Second phase leaders: shots per 90 from the second phase of corners
- Arsenal — 1.69
- West Ham — 1.29
- Man City — 0.98
- Man United — 0.97
- Nottingham Forest — 1.00
Where does danger from corners actually come from?
Central deliveries (Zone 17)
The most danger still comes from central deliveries. When teams hit Zone 17, they create the highest shot volume in the league, 1.15 shots P90. And while the first contact matters (0.52 P90), a big slice of value comes in the second phase (0.63 P90).
Short routines
Short corners create the second most danger, averaging 0.15 shots P90, but they are second-phase heavy - with over 83% of shots coming between 3 and 10 seconds after the corner is taken. This shows that the short routine is often used as an alternative to and disorganize the defensive set-piece block and take advantage of the chaos.
Although volume without end product is not enough, as we see that Chelsea use short frequently, but sit 9th for shots from short corners (0.16 shots per 90; all in the second phase).
Deep and Near corners
Deeper and near deliveries are more niche, but are useful when switching up routines when you spot certain weaknesses in your opponent setup.
Deep corners (beyond Zone 17) lead to~0.04 shots P90 and are good for back-post mismatches and knock-down/cut-back patterns. Here teams such as Nottingham Forest, Everton, Fulham, Sunderland, Leeds (0.08 P90):
Near (before-Zone 17): ~0.036 shots P90, ~89% second-phase. More recycle and shoot later than instant chance. Leaders: Burnley 0.16, Arsenal 0.16; then Nottingham Forest 0.08, Man City 0.08.
Profiling your opponent set-pieces
In terms of the Premier League, we see that teams such as Fulham 0.97, Crystal Palace 0.81, Leeds 0.90, Aston Villa 0.97 are dangerous in the first-phase and regularly win the first contact via screens, blocker roles and targeted runs.
While team's such as Arsenal 1.69, Newcastle 0.88, Brighton 0.82, Everton 0.90, West Ham 1.29, Liverpool 0.81, excell in the second phase and target the back post and use cut-backs once the block shifts toward its own goal.
