Set-piece weakness costing Liverpool dear, says manager Arne Slot
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has said that he is unhappy with his team's poor set-piece record this season.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes his side are damaging their own hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League because of a poor record at set pieces.
The reigning champions head into the busy Christmas and New Year period behind fourth-placed Chelsea on goal difference. They take on bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers next at Anfield on Dec 27.
The Reds have scored just three set-piece goals while conceding 11 in the league this season, with the frustrated Dutchman 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 47-year-old added: “We are the only team in the top end of the table that has a significantly negative set-piece balance (Manchester City are on minus-one, according to official data supplier Opta) – we are 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 No. 1 in the league.”
Injuries are just as much of a concern for Slot, with Alexander Isak ruled out for a couple of months after suffering a broken leg
He rated forward Cody Gakpo and fullback Conor Bradley as only 50-50 chances for a return against Wolves.
Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, is at the Africa Cup of Nations, defender Joe Gomez sidelined by a hamstring injury, Wataru Endo is missing with an ankle problem and fellow midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai 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,” he added. “The players who are available need to give everything they have.”
Wolves fans, meanwhile, only want one present this festive period – a first win. They have not seen one in their first 17 games, and the team sit 12 points adrift of safety on just two points – the worst start in English league history.
At the top, Arsenal are taking a firm grip on leading the league and are looking strong favourites to win their first title since 2004.
They still lead the way – two points ahead of City – but the jitters are already in evidence and the fact that they have been top of the Premier League four times at Christmas without going on to finish champions will be nagging at manager Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners host Brighton and Hove Albion on Dec 27 before their showdown with third-placed Aston Villa on Dec 30, and they finish their festive programme with an away trip to Bournemouth.
Kai Havertz could return for Arsenal, with the 26-year-old not having featured since the Gunners’ first match of the season following surgery on his right knee.
City, meanwhile, have rediscovered their swagger with seven straight wins in all competitions. Pep Guardiola’s men visit Nottingham Forest on Dec 27, then Sunderland on New Year’s Day, before hosting Chelsea on Jan 4.
AFP, REUTERS
