LONDON, Nov. 20, 2025 — In football, goals from open play have long been seen as football’s purest form of entertainment: fluid build-ups, quick passing, and moments of spontaneous genius. But increasingly, fans and analysts are asking: “Are you not being entertained?” — as the share of goals coming from open play appears to be under threat.
A shifting landscape
Recent statistical analysis suggests a subtle but persistent decline in the proportion of goals scored from open play across Europe’s top leagues. While open play still accounts for a majority of goals — often between 55% and 62% in major competitions — some leagues have shown a gradual decrease in that share over the last few seasons.
At the same time, there is growing evidence that set-piece goals — from corners, throw-ins, and free kicks — are becoming increasingly prominent in modern tactics. The rise of long-throw specialists, teams that meticulously prepare dead-ball routines, and optimized set-piece coaching have all contributed to this shift.
Tactical evolution and its impact
One driver behind the trend is how teams are structuring their defensive frameworks. Many sides now defend with deep blocks, reducing space for traditional open play attacks. Against such formations, scoring from open play becomes harder, pushing teams to rely on set pieces as a more viable route to goal.
Meanwhile, another factor is the decrease in “in-play time” during matches. According to recent reports, greater use of long throws (which require careful set-up), more frequent stoppages, and time-wasting tactics have all contributed to less continuous, flowing play.
Is the decline real — or overstated?
Some researchers argue that the decline in open-play goals is not dramatic — more a modest rebalancing than a collapse. In a recent academic study, it was noted that while open-play scoring percentages have dropped slightly, they remain a fundamental part of how teams attack.
There is also debate around the role of expected goals (xG) models in understanding this trend. These models, which assess the quality of chances rather than just the final outcome, suggest that teams may be generating fewer high-probability open-play chances — or simply failing to convert them.
What this means for fans
For supporters, the change may feel like a loss of football’s spontaneous brilliance. Set-piece goals, while tactically brilliant, often lack the same fluid build-up and improvisation that define open-play scoring. Some fans worry that matches are becoming more “engineered” and less emotionally rewarding.
On the other hand, the rise in set-piece proficiency showcases a different kind of tactical artistry. Coaches now drill routines to perfection, and players specialize in delivering or exploiting dead-ball opportunities in ways that would have been unthinkable decades ago.
The future of goal scoring
The trend raises important questions about the future direction of football: Will the game remain grounded in the thrill of open-play goals, or will tactical specialization continue to push set pieces to the forefront?
- Governing bodies may need to consider rule changes that encourage more in-play time.
- Clubs could reignite their focus on creative, dynamic open-play attacks — balancing meticulous set-piece planning with improvisational football.
- And analysts will likely keep refining their models to understand not just how often goals come, but how they are built.
Ultimately, football’s entertainment value isn’t just in how many goals are scored, but how they are scored. If open-play goals continue to decline, fans may indeed find themselves asking: Are we still watching the beautiful game?