Arne Slot Blames Liverpool’s Set-Piece Record For Top-Four Struggles

‎Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, says his side’s poor record at set-pieces is harming their chances of a top-four finish in the Premier League.

‎The reigning champions go into the busy Christmas and New Year period behind Chelsea on goal difference.

‎Liverpool have scored just three set-piece goals while conceding 11 in the league so far this season, with a frustrated Slot saying, “I know the importance of it, it gets more and more, and that’s why we are so annoyed by our current record.

‎”It’s a big frustration we are where we are this season because when we were halfway through last season, we had not conceded one set-piece (goal).

‎”It’s impossible to be top-four, top-five with our set-piece balance, let alone winning the league.”

‎The Dutchman added, “We are the only team in the top end of the table that has a negative set-piece balance (Manchester City are in fact on minus-one according to official data supplier Opta) not only are we negative, but we are also minus-eight and still on equal points with fourth.

‎”But if we are minus-eight, Chelsea is, I think, plus-eight (actually plus-four), and Arsenal and United are very high (scoring 10 apiece), and 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.

‎”We all know why, because in open chances created we are number one in the league.”

‎Injuries are a major concern for Slot, with Alexander Isak set to miss several months after fracturing his leg in a challenge with Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven.

‎Slot described Cody Gakpo and Conor Bradley as only 50-50 to be fit for Saturday’s game against relegation-threatened Wolves.

‎Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, is at the Africa Cup of Nations, defender Joe Gomez is sidelined by a hamstring injury, Wataru Endo is missing with an ankle problem, and fellow midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is out through suspension.

‎”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.”