Liverpool's Set-Piece Blues: Slot Pleads for a Festive Turnaround
24 December 2025
Context
The Dutchman Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager and title-winner, believes set-piece problems are weakening his side, which sits fifth ahead of matchweek 18.
Festive Schedule and Standings
Liverpool will endure a festive schedule during Christmas and New Year, trailing Chelsea in fourth on goal difference, seven points behind third-placed Aston Villa, eight behind Manchester City in eighth, and ten behind leaders Arsenal.
Liverpool have scored only three goals from set-pieces, while their defense has conceded 11 from those situations this season in the league.
Slot spoke with visible frustration, 'I know their importance, and they are growing in significance, which makes our current record all the more disappointing'.
He added, 'It is impossible to be in the top four or five with this balance of set-pieces, let alone win the league'.
The Dutch coach, subject to heavy criticism, argued 'We are the only team at the top with a negative set-piece balance (Manchester City is actually at minus one according to Opta), not only negative, minus eight, and still level on points with the fourth'.
He also said, 'If we are minus eight, Chelsea would be plus eight (or at least plus four), and Arsenal and United are well ahead (each with ten goals). That contrast shows how unusual it is to collect so many points with this set-piece balance'.
Slot concluded, 'We all know the reason, because in the open chances we create, we are the number one in the league'.
Injuries also pose a major concern, as Swedish striker Alexander Isak will miss two months after a leg fracture suffered in the previous game against Tottenham.
Liverpool officials say training will focus on set-piece routines to spark a late-season turnaround.
Injuries also pose a major concern, as Swedish striker Alexander Isak will miss two months after a leg fracture suffered in the previous game against Tottenham.
Punchline 1: If set-pieces were vaccines, Liverpool would be due for a booster shot—immunity against scoring from corners seems optional.
Punchline 2: Slot should install a revolving door at the training ground—every time the ball comes from a set-piece, it goes in the other net.
