Liverpool Struggles with Set-Piece Deficiencies

No team in the Premier League has conceded more goals from set-pieces this season than Liverpool.

Captain Virgil van Dijk articulated the team’s ongoing struggles with set-pieces, stating that these issues are “hurtful” and that the second phase of play poses a significant challenge for them.

As of now, Liverpool, under the management of Arne Slot, has allowed 12 goals from set-pieces, tying with Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest for the most in the league.

In a recent league match at Anfield, which Liverpool won 2-1, Santiago Bueno scored for Wolverhampton Wanderers from a corner kick. Similarly, Richarlison found the net for Tottenham Hotspur after the Reds failed to clear a corner last week.

“There have been plenty of games where we have defended set-pieces well. However, the reality is that we have conceded too many goals from these situations and not scored enough ourselves,” Van Dijk remarked.

“I believe that at least 75% of the time, or perhaps even more, the issue lies not with the first contact but rather with the second phase, which is the critical moment.”

When asked if the issue is mental, Van Dijk expressed hope that it is not: “If that’s the case, it could be a problem. Personally, I don’t view it that way.”

Besides penalties, Liverpool has managed to score only three goals from set-pieces in the league, resulting in a goal difference of minus nine, their lowest in a Premier League season.

“While we have defended many set-pieces effectively, we have also conceded too many goals in this manner, and it hurts. We need to improve. Training is the only way to enhance our performance,” Van Dijk added.

“Our current level is not satisfactory, and we all recognize that. We have discussed it, and we must turn this around, which is why we focus on it in nearly every training session.”

Manager Slot also commented on the situation: “Unfortunately, we may be the only team that rarely scores from set-pieces while consistently conceding. However, I mentioned a few weeks ago that when things go against us, whether it be from a set-piece or otherwise, we must still find a way to win.”

“In our last two matches, we conceded from set-pieces but still managed to secure victories, which has not occurred frequently this season. That indicates progress, but it is evident that we have more areas to enhance, and this is one of them.”

“I believe we have been unfortunate in several set-piece situations. After 18 matches, we need to see improvement.”

Liverpool’s third consecutive league victory has elevated them to fourth place in the table.