ISL: How dead-ball situations are shaping the league?

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season has been nothing short of thrilling. As the playoff race heats up, one key tactical element is stealing the spotlight — set-pieces.

From stunning free-kicks to clever corners and decisive penalties, dead-ball situations are shaping the league’s fortunes.

Here’s a detailed look at how set-pieces are impacting the season and redefining strategies.

1. Mohun Bagan Super Giant: Masters of Precision

Sitting comfortably atop the table with 35 points, Mohun Bagan has elevated set-piece execution to an art form. Remarkably, half of their 30 goals this season have come from dead-ball scenarios, underlining their tactical expertise and preparation.

Greg Stewart has been the architect behind most of their success, delivering pinpoint crosses and free-kicks with surgical precision.

Key contributors:

Alberto Rodriguez: The towering defender has netted 4 goals, often outmuscling opponents during corners.

Tom Aldred: His defensive capabilities are complemented by his 2 crucial goals from set-pieces.

Subhasish Bose: The versatile defender has added 3 goals, showcasing his ability to capitalize on loose balls in the box.

When the team’s open-play strategies falter, their proficiency in set-pieces ensures they maintain control and momentum, making them a formidable force.

2. Odisha FC and Jamshedpur FC: Creative Excellence

Odisha FC:

Odisha FC has been a revelation this season, sharing the top spot in goals scored (31) while demonstrating incredible creativity in set-piece situations. Of these, 12 goals have come from dead-ball scenarios.

Ahmed Jahouh and Hugo Boumous have been instrumental in crafting opportunities with their vision and technique.

Diego Mauricio, the Brazilian maestro, has been exceptional. With his ability to bend free-kicks into the top corner, Mauricio has been a constant threat. His 11 goal contributions, including 7 goals and 4 assists, underline his importance to Odisha’s attacking setup.

Jamshedpur FC:

Jamshedpur FC’s reliance on their star-studded attacking quartet has paid dividends, with 10 of their 22 goals coming from set-pieces.

Jordan Murray, Javier Siverio, Javi Hernandez, and Rei Tachikawa have combined seamlessly, contributing 18 goals for the team.

Their well-rehearsed set-piece routines and quick thinking in dead-ball situations have made them a tough team to defend against.

These teams’ ability to consistently produce moments of magic from set-pieces keeps them competitive in the tightly contested league.

3. Defensive Stories: The Good, the Bad, and the Vulnerable

While some teams have excelled in scoring from set-pieces, others are grappling with defensive vulnerabilities:

Kerala Blasters FC:

Kerala Blasters have struggled defensively, conceding 13 goals from set-pieces — the highest in the league.

With 27 goals conceded overall, their defensive lapses have often been exploited during dead-ball situations.

The team lacks a commanding presence in the backline, someone capable of organizing and leading the defense effectively.

East Bengal FC:

East Bengal has been a standout performer in set-piece defense, conceding just 3 goals from dead-ball situations.

Despite this strength, their overall defensive record remains shaky, with 21 goals conceded in 15 matches. The likes of Hijazi Maher, Hector Yuste, Anwar Ali, and Lalchungnunga have shown promise but lack consistency.

Bengaluru FC and Hyderabad FC:

Both teams have conceded 10 goals from set-pieces, the second-most in the league.

Bengaluru FC started the season with an impeccable defensive record, keeping 5 clean sheets in their first 5 matches. However, they’ve since conceded 20 goals in their next 10 games, highlighting a sudden collapse in defensive organization.

4. Set-Pieces: The Deciders in a Tight Race

As the league approaches its final stages, set-pieces are emerging as the ultimate deciders in a fiercely competitive season. Here’s how they’re influencing the playoff race:

For title favorites like Mohun Bagan: Their dominance in set-piece execution provides them with a reliable advantage, adding an extra layer of security.

For teams like Odisha FC and Jamshedpur FC: Their creative brilliance ensures they remain in the hunt for playoff spots, with set-pieces acting as a critical weapon.

For struggling defenses: Teams like Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC must address their defensive frailties to avoid losing ground in the playoff race.

The ISL 2024-25 season has already delivered countless memorable moments, with set-pieces proving to be game-changers. As the league enters its most crucial phase, the importance of dead-ball scenarios cannot be overstated.

Teams that master this art are likely to enjoy success, while those who falter could see their dreams fade.

Will set-pieces decide the fate of the playoffs and the title? Fans can only wait and watch as the drama unfolds in the coming weeks.