Liverpool's recent success with set-pieces has sparked a fascinating discussion among football enthusiasts. The team's transformation is a testament to their adaptability and willingness to embrace a trend that's sweeping the Premier League.
Arne Slot, the manager, has a unique perspective on this matter. He believes that Liverpool's improvement is a return to normalcy, a rationalization that might not sit well with everyone. After all, the team's recent performance is a stark contrast to their earlier struggles with set-plays.
The numbers don't lie. Seven out of Liverpool's last nine Premier League goals have come from set-pieces, with five of those being corners. This turnaround has addressed a critical imbalance from the first half of the season, where Liverpool held the unfortunate record of having the worst set-play performance in Europe's top leagues.
Slot's acceptance of this new reality is a crucial step. He, along with his coaching assistants, has taken responsibility for set-piece strategies, even incorporating the insights of set-piece analyst Lewis Mahoney. This collective effort has paid dividends, with Liverpool now ranked among the best in the league for set-pieces.
But here's where it gets controversial: this new-found efficiency coincides with the departure of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs. The manager's decision to favor a collective approach to set-play commands seems to have worked wonders. Inswinging corners, a tactic employed by most teams in the league, have become a staple for Liverpool.
The six-yard box has become a battleground, with offensive teams placing an average of 3.25 players in this area, up from 2.51 last season. This strategy causes chaos and creates opportunities for aerial bombardments. Arsenal has mastered this art, and now Liverpool is catching up, joining a league-wide trend.
Data shows that 81% of corners crossed directly are now inswingers, a significant increase from previous seasons. For Liverpool, this tactic has been particularly beneficial for players like Virgil van Dijk, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexis Mac Allister. Their recent league outings have seen a corner goal in each win, with a high percentage of these corners landing directly in the center of the six-yard box, the sweet spot for scoring.
The three corner goals against West Ham were a testament to Liverpool's improved set-piece strategy. While their opponents' defensive lapses played a part, the inward-swinging crosses were a key factor in their success. Van Dijk's header and Ekitike's opener showcased the effectiveness of this tactic.
Mateus Fernandes, speaking to Sky Sports after the game, revealed that his team had worked all week on a plan to stop Van Dijk, a formidable central defender. However, their efforts fell short, highlighting Liverpool's improved set-piece threat.
This improvement has been a gradual process, with weeks of upward trending. Simple movement and player positioning, particularly Ekitike's intelligence and frame, have been crucial. His ability to hold space, draw defenders, and assist from the back post has been instrumental in Liverpool's recent success.
When Liverpool's primary passer, Florian Wirtz, is unavailable, it becomes even more critical for their striker, Ekitike, to be a set-play threat. Especially considering Slot's side generates a high number of corner kicks, ranking fourth in the division.
While Arsenal might still be the gold standard for set-play conversion, Liverpool has always been a strong creator of set-play opportunities. With subtle tweaks to their zonal play and delivery, they are now converting these chances into goals.
So, what do you think? Is Liverpool's set-piece success a result of their adaptability or a natural progression? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments!
