Set pieces an issue for Liverpool amid three straight losses, says manager Arne Slot

LONDON – When Liverpool started this season with five straight Premier League wins, it appeared they were on track for a record 21st English top-flight title – which would take them one clear of Manchester United.

But problems they had papered over with a flurry of late goals finally caught up with them in defeats by Crystal Palace and Chelsea, either side of a

Champions League loss at Galatasaray

.

Three straight defeats in all competitions is not normal for a club of their ambitions and Reds manager Arne Slot has analysed what went wrong for his team ahead of a home clash with United on Oct 19.

“I think what we can say is if we compare to last season, we don’t create as many chances but we’ve conceded too many goals,” the Dutchman said.

“Nine goals and four from set pieces, not a reflection of chances we’ve conceded. Other five were two fast breaks, three from open play. Conceding too many crosses, we have to address that and do better.

“But it’s also clear we haven’t created as many chances as last season... Sometimes we get it (goals) from a special moment from front three or set pieces. Not many special moments this season or set-piece goals.

“We are still one point behind Arsenal, but it is clear that conceding four set-piece goals is too much for a team that wants to compete. If you lose three in a row, you have to do better. We have to create habits if we win or lose, but after three losses you hope for a spark or 1 or 2 per cent more from us and our fans on Sunday.”

Liverpool, one point behind leaders Arsenal, trolled United on social media this week, reminding them of the

7-0 drubbing they dished out in March 2023

.

Mohamed Salah scored twice that day and has an eye-catching record against United, netting in 10 of the past 11 matches between the clubs in all competitions.

But the Egypt forward will go into the fixture searching for form – he has not scored in his last three league games with just two goals in seven matches – while new signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are struggling to make an impact. Slot’s men are also shaky at the back.

“It should not matter who we play on Sunday. If you’ve lost three in a row and you wear the LFC shirt, you have to react,” added Slot.

“The players give it all every game first to last minute. In three games we had to come back from a goal down, did it twice but we lost. There should always be a reaction, not only from Mo but all.”

Wirtz, in particular, has yet to make his mark at Anfield.

The 22-year-old playmaker, who cost an upfront £100 million (S$174 million) from Bayer Leverkusen, has no goals and no assists so far in the Premier League and did not even make the starting line-up in the away loss to Chelsea.

Wirtz’s form will be a worry for Slot, who is experiencing his worst slump since taking over at Anfield.

Liverpool now certainly need some inspiration from a player who registered 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 appearances for Leverkusen.

United, without a win at Anfield since 2016, have come away with creditable draws from their past two visits.

Ruben Amorim’s men, wallowing in mid-table, will not scare Liverpool but they will likely have chances to exploit chinks in the home side’s armour.

“I look forward even more to Man United. I know how special of a game it is,” said Slot.

“The most watched all over the world, so special to be a part of it – we have to be at our best. United had a better start than table is showing, so very interesting game, especially as it’s at Anfield.

“The fans have always been supportive. We need to be ready, but the fans need to and will help us.”
AFP, REUTERS