A thrilling 5-2 victory over West Ham marked Liverpool’s third consecutive Premier League win, a feat unseen since December. However, manager Arne Slot isn’t entirely celebrating, recognizing a significant gap remains in one crucial area of the game.
Slot pinpointed Arsenal’s exceptional set-piece prowess, acknowledging Liverpool still lags behind their rivals. He anticipates Mikel Arteta’s team will demonstrate this strength when they face Chelsea, potentially adding to their already impressive tally.
The shift in Liverpool’s fortunes from conceding from set-pieces to now scoring from them is a welcome change, Slot admitted. He recalled a period where every opposing corner felt destined for the back of the net, a stark contrast to their recent success.
Slot highlighted the frustrating near-misses earlier in the season, where countless chances from set-pieces went begging. He believes the recent improvement isn’t due to radical tactical changes, but rather a return to expected results – things simply falling into place.
The numbers paint a clear picture: Arsenal currently lead the league with 17 goals from set-pieces, a substantial lead over Liverpool’s 12. At one point, the gap was a staggering 23 goals, including penalties.
While Liverpool has begun to close the gap, Slot remains realistic. He wouldn’t be surprised to see Arsenal add to their lead this weekend, potentially scoring multiple goals from set-piece situations against Chelsea.
The manager’s assessment isn’t one of complacency, but rather a clear-eyed understanding of where his team stands. It’s a challenge he’s determined to address, recognizing the immense value of set-piece dominance in the modern game.
Liverpool’s recent success offers a glimpse of their potential, but Slot knows that consistently converting set-piece opportunities will be vital to truly compete with the league’s elite, particularly a team like Arsenal.
