Are Liverpool's Set-Piece Struggles Costing Them Victories?

Liverpool's ongoing struggles with defending set-pieces have come under scrutiny this Premier League season, with the team conceding 12 goals from such situations, the highest in the league alongside Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest. Captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledged the need for improvement, highlighting the critical nature of the second phase of set-pieces as a significant issue. With only three goals scored from set-pieces themselves, Liverpool's deficit in this area is particularly concerning.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of now, Liverpool is experiencing a mixed bag of results in the Premier League, with their latest match resulting in a 2-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. However, the victory was overshadowed by another goal conceded from a set-piece, a recurring theme that has plagued the team throughout the season. Virgil van Dijk's comments reflect a growing concern within the squad about their defensive organisation during set-pieces, which has been described as "hurting" their chances of success.

Key takeaways

Liverpool has conceded 12 goals from set-pieces this season, the most in the Premier League.
Captain Virgil van Dijk emphasised the importance of addressing the second phase of set-pieces.
Excluding penalties, Liverpool has scored only three goals from set-pieces.
Despite defensive issues, Liverpool's recent form includes three consecutive league wins.
Manager Arne Slot acknowledges the need for improvement in both defending and converting set-pieces.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the 2023/24 Premier League season, Liverpool has struggled defensively at set-pieces:

August 2023: The season commenced with early signs of defensive frailties.
September 2023: Liverpool suffered defeats and draws, with set-piece goals being a common theme.
October 2023: Manager Arne Slot begins to publicly address the issue, noting the team's reliance on set-piece situations.
20 October 2023: Liverpool wins against Wolves but concedes another set-piece goal, raising alarms about their defensive strategy.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

In recent matches, including the victory over Wolves, Liverpool has continued to concede from set-pieces. Verbal acknowledgements from players and management suggest a keen awareness of the problem, with training focused on improving this aspect of their game. The emphasis on the second phase of set-pieces indicates a deeper tactical issue that needs addressing.

What was already established

Before the latest match, it was already known that Liverpool had a high number of set-piece goals conceded, leading to discussions about defensive strategies. Historically, their performance from set-pieces has been weak, as evidenced by previous seasons where they struggled with similar issues. The team’s inability to convert set-pieces into goals has also been an ongoing concern, contributing to their current standings in the league table.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Football fans in the UK are increasingly concerned about Liverpool's performance, as it impacts their overall enjoyment of the season. The team's struggles with set-pieces might affect ticket sales and merchandise, especially if fans feel that the team isn’t performing to its potential. Additionally, the narrative surrounding Liverpool could impact their viewership ratings in broadcasts.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses around Anfield may also feel the ripple effects of Liverpool's performance. Poor results could result in lower foot traffic on match days, affecting sales for local pubs, restaurants, and shops that depend on match day attendances. On the flip side, a successful run could boost local economies significantly.

Policy and regulation

From a broader perspective, the Premier League's reputation could be at stake if teams continue to display such inconsistencies. Regulatory bodies may look into enhancing training and support for clubs regarding set-piece management and defensive strategies, especially for teams like Liverpool that have high-profile status and significant media attention.

Numbers that matter

12: The number of goals Liverpool has conceded from set-pieces this season, the highest in the Premier League.
3: Goals scored by Liverpool from set-pieces in the league this season, excluding penalties.
-9: Liverpool's goal difference from set-pieces, the worst in their Premier League history.
3: Consecutive league wins for Liverpool, indicating some improvement despite defensive setbacks.
18: The total matches played this season, highlighting the urgency of addressing set-piece vulnerabilities.

Definitions and jargon buster

Set-piece: A method of restarting play, usually following a foul or stoppage, including corners and free-kicks.
Second phase: The play that occurs after the initial contact from a set-piece, often leading to a follow-up opportunity for the attacking team.
Goal difference: The difference between goals scored and goals conceded, used to rank teams in the league.
Excluding penalties: Refers to goals scored from set-pieces that do not include penalty kicks.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Liverpool must focus on refining their defensive strategies during training sessions, particularly concerning set-pieces. Upcoming fixtures will provide opportunities to implement these changes. The coaching staff should assess player positioning and communication to reduce the number of goals conceded.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, Liverpool needs to establish a more robust set-piece strategy, both defensively and offensively. Tracking improvements in games against lower-tier teams will be crucial, as these matches will offer a chance to test new strategies without the immediate pressure of top-of-the-table clashes.

Signals to watch

Number of set-piece goals conceded per match.
Goals scored from set-pieces in upcoming fixtures.
Changes in defensive tactics noted in post-match analyses.

Practical guidance

Do

Focus on training sessions that specifically target set-piece scenarios.
Analyse match footage to understand weaknesses in set-piece defence.
Encourage open communication among defenders during set-pieces.

Don’t

Neglect practice of offensive set-pieces; both areas need equal attention.
Overlook the psychological aspect; confidence plays a role in set-piece performance.
Ignore feedback from players; they can provide insights on field dynamics.

Checklist

Review last three matches for set-piece statistics.
Assess individual player performance during set-pieces.
Conduct specific drills focused on second-phase play.
Hold team meetings to discuss set-piece strategies and roles.
Monitor improvements in upcoming matches against similar-ranked teams.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Liverpool's issues with set-pieces are evident, there are risks regarding the potential for over-correction. Managers must balance adjustments without instilling doubt among players. Additionally, the unpredictability of football means that improvements in training might not immediately translate to match performance. Observers should remain cautious about making definitive judgments until the team has had time to implement and adapt to new strategies.

Bottom line

Liverpool's challenges with set-pieces highlight a crucial area for improvement as they look to solidify their position in the Premier League. Addressing these weaknesses could not only enhance their overall performance but also restore confidence among players and fans alike. The upcoming matches will be pivotal in determining whether the team can turn this trend around.

FAQs

Why does Liverpool struggle with set-pieces?

Liverpool's struggles with set-pieces stem from a combination of tactical issues and player positioning, particularly during the second phase of play, which has led to conceding numerous goals.

How many set-piece goals has Liverpool conceded this season?

This season, Liverpool has conceded 12 goals from set-pieces, which is the highest in the Premier League.

What are Liverpool doing to address their set-piece issues?

Liverpool is focusing on training sessions that target set-piece scenarios, with an emphasis on improving both their defensive organisation and attacking conversions.