Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Thu 9 April 2026 18:10, UK

West Ham United must prioritise sorting out their set-piece struggles this summer, with no Premier League team conceding more than the Hammers so far.

The Irons are hoping to survive the drop this campaign, as they currently sit among the bottom three of the table.

However, with one point separating the East London side from maintaining their top-flight status, the small margins will no doubt come into play.

This season, set-pieces have played a significant role in that aspect, and West Ham have failed to adapt to the evolving way to win.

But those issues may not be down to Nuno Espirito Santo’s coaching, but rather West Ham’s transfer business and the players they are bringing in.

What unwanted set-piece record can West Ham set this season?

West Ham have conceded 17 goals from set pieces this season, which, as stated, is the most by any Premier League side.

However, the Irons could set a new nightmare club record, as the most goals they ever let in from dead-ball scenarios arrived 23 years ago in 2002-2003, conceding 18 that campaign.

With seven games to go, it is likely this record will be broken.

While you might say the issue comes from coaching or a lack of organisation, it appears, on the face of it, that it is down to the personnel at London Stadium instead.

The Hammers’ recruitment has left them bare to these woes as set pieces have become increasingly important in the Premier League.

Among the teams in the league, 14 sides have a player who has played at least 10 games with a higher aerial duel percentage before you see a West Ham player on the rankings, as per Sofascore.

That player is Konstantinos Mavropanos, who has a percentage success rate of 65.88 per cent and ranks 31st overall throughout the league this season.

Additionally, on the list, there are another 29 places before another Irons star appears with Freddie Potts in 60th with 60.61 per cent.

West Ham must address obvious gap in recruitment

With the low ranking and the large gaps between players, it is increasingly obvious that the recruitment department has made a huge oversight in terms of the players they are scouting.

The arrival of Axel Disasi has certainly helped in dealing with aerial threats, with the Frenchman at least coming closer to Mavropanos’ aerial duel success.

In seven appearances in the Premier League he has averaged 63 per cent. However, one player will not be enough to address this clear flaw plaguing the squad.

And, Disasi is not guaranteed to remain at West Ham following the end of his loan spell.

Locating and scouting talent capable of dealing with aerial threats must be a priority on the agenda ahead of this summer, no matter which league the Hammers end up in.