Arne Slot warns Liverpool’s poor set-piece record is undermining their Premier League top-four challenge as injuries mount.
LIVERPOOL manager Arne Slot says his side’s poor set-piece record is damaging their hopes of a top-four Premier League finish.
The reigning champions head into the festive period behind fourth-placed Chelsea on goal difference alone.
Liverpool have scored just three set-piece goals while conceding 11 in the league this season.
“I know the importance of it, it gets more and more, and that’s why we are so annoyed by our current record,” said a frustrated Slot.
He highlighted the stark contrast with last season, when they had not conceded a single set-piece goal at the halfway point.
“It’s impossible to be top-four, top-five with our set-piece balance, let alone winning the league,” he added.
According to Opta data, Liverpool have a set-piece balance of minus-eight, the worst among the league’s top teams.
Slot noted that Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United all have significantly positive records.
“If you look at that you could say how special it is we have as many points as we have if you have that set-piece balance,” he said.
The Dutchman attributed their current points tally to their performance in open play, where they lead the league in chances created.
Injuries are compounding their problems, with Alexander Isak ruled out for months with a broken leg.
Forward Cody Gakpo and full-back Conor Bradley are only 50-50 to return against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Mohamed Salah is at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai are also unavailable.
“It is time for the players we do have available to do what they have done so many times and roll their sleeves up,” said Slot.
“The players who are available need to give everything they have.”
