Stats show why Chelsea's latest Aston Villa swoop is even more important than Morgan Rogers

Chelsea's move to prise Aston Villa set-piece coach Austin MacPhee away from Villa Park could prove to be the highlight of their summer business.

The Blues recently completed a British-record £116million deal to take Morgan Rogers away from the second city outfit, and are now on the verge of pulling off another raid.

MacPhee has been working at Villa for five years now, but is set to depart this summer after Chelsea triggered the release clause in his contract, according to The Athletic.

The West Londoners have been one of two Premier League clubs to chase the Scotsman in recent weeks, while Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr have also been keen.

MacPhee has transformed Villa into one of English football's most dangerous set-piece sides in recent years, and Chelsea are keen to see him build a similar project at Stamford Bridge.

His arrival is far from being as glamorous as the signing of Rogers, but there is genuine evidence to suggest it could prove to be even more important.

Stats show Austin MacPhee is among the very best

Set-pieces have become increasingly important in the Premier League in recent years, and have seen a resurgence in importance of late.

That is surely set to continue into 2026-27, as teams look to maximise their dead-ball situations and gain every possible advantage during a game.

With that in mind, the move to bring in MacPhee should be seen as a big positive for Chelsea, given that he has been among the best in his role in recent years.

Arsenal and their coach Nicolas Jover are renowned for their dead-ball prowess, but the stats show that MacPhee has given them a run for their money.

According to OptaJoe, across the last three Premier League campaigns, Villa have scored 49 set-piece goals, a tally which is only bettered by Arsenal's 64.

That is made even more impressive by the fact that the respective totals do not include goals scored from penalties.

With Chelsea looking to turn the fine margins in their favour under Xabi Alonso next term, there is genuine proof that MacPhee could end up being their most important summer addition.

Chelsea have 'held talks' over Crystal Palace sale

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Crystal Palace have "held talks" over a move for Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah this summer.

Maxence Lacroix is about to complete a move to Stamford Bridge, and Palace are exploring their other options as a result.

Brown is adamant that the Eagles still rate Chalobah highly, having previously had him on loan back in 2024-25.

Italian side Como have already seen bids rejected for him this summer, but Brown is adamant that the 27-year-old is also on the radar at Selhurst Park, as Chelsea look to move him on.