Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has expressed significant frustration over the club’s alarming set-piece record, acknowledging that it presents a formidable challenge to their aspirations for a top-four finish in the Premier League. Despite this glaring weakness, the Reds find themselves remarkably close to the league’s summit, a testament to their prowess in open play. This paradox defines a crucial period for the club as they navigate a demanding festive fixture list compounded by a growing injury crisis.
Slot highlighted the stark statistics revealing Liverpool’s vulnerability from dead-ball situations this season. The team has managed to score just three goals from set-pieces in the league while conceding a troubling eleven, resulting in a negative balance of minus-eight. This figure stands in sharp contrast to their rivals, with Manchester City holding a minus-one balance, Chelsea at plus-four, and both Arsenal and Manchester United boasting a robust plus-ten. Slot asserted that maintaining a top-four or even top-five position, let alone contending for the league title, becomes “impossible” with such a significant deficit in this crucial aspect of the game.
The Dutchman further elaborated on the anomaly of their current league standing, given these defensive frailties. He underscored that Liverpool is the only team among the league’s elite with a negative set-piece balance, making their proximity to the top of the table particularly “special.” This achievement, Slot explained, is directly attributable to their exceptional performance in open play, where Liverpool leads the league in creating chances, effectively compensating for their deficiencies elsewhere.
Compounding the set-piece dilemma is a mounting injury list that threatens to stretch the squad thin over the congested holiday period. Key players such as forward Cody Gakpo and full-back Conor Bradley face a 50-50 chance of returning for the upcoming fixture against Wolves. Their potential absences add to an already extensive list that includes defender Joe Gomez with a hamstring injury, midfielder Wataru Endo grappling with an ankle problem, and Dominik Szoboszlai serving a suspension.
Adding to the squad’s woes, star forward Mohamed Salah is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations, removing a vital attacking threat during a critical phase of the season. These cumulative absences place immense pressure on the available players and test the depth of the squad, forcing Slot to adapt his tactical approach and rely heavily on a core group of individuals during a period notorious for its high demands and frequent matches.
In response to these challenges, Slot issued a rallying cry, urging both his players and the club’s passionate fanbase to unite and demonstrate resilience. He emphasized the necessity for every available player to “roll their sleeves up” and deliver their utmost effort. The coach stressed that this period demands a collective response, where commitment and determination from all involved will be paramount in overcoming the obstacles ahead.
Meanwhile, the situation surrounding young midfielder Harvey Elliott, currently on loan at Aston Villa, remains a subplot to Liverpool’s squad concerns. Elliott has endured a frustrating spell, failing to feature for Villa since early October and seemingly falling out of manager Unai Emery’s immediate plans. Despite Liverpool’s growing injury list, an early recall for Elliott appears unlikely, as the loan agreement reportedly lacks a specific clause allowing for his premature return. The deal also includes an obligation for Villa to purchase him for £35 million should he make a certain number of appearances, a prospect that now seems remote given his lack of playing time.
