Corner kicks are kind of like free kicks in the opponent's half: both are set pieces. They're also among the few moments in a match when teams have a real and predictable chance to create significant chances. So they're among the few guaranteed opportunities to score. And while I've been thinking about them for some time, I have not reported any systematic analyses of corners.

Now that the transfer window is open, lots of managers are looking to strengthen their squads. Managers like Everton's David Moyes seem typical; he's looking to sign a striker, having repeatedly bemoaned his team's lack of ability to finish in front of goal, most recently after the away draw at West Ham.