Can Liverpool Become the New Set-Piece Kings and Achieve Something Beautiful?

Liverpool's recent dominant performance against West Ham, where they scored five goals, reflects a significant turnaround in their Premier League campaign. After a rocky start to the season, the Reds are now fifth in the league, just three points off third place, and are regaining their form ahead of crucial matches in the coming weeks.

Last updated: 02 March 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Following their emphatic 5-1 victory over West Ham, Liverpool is experiencing a resurgence in form as they aim for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. The match showcased their attacking prowess, particularly from set-pieces, an area they have notably improved in since the turn of the year. With this win, Liverpool has now secured four victories in their last five league matches, bolstering their confidence as they head into March.

Key takeaways

Liverpool scored five goals against West Ham, marking a significant improvement in their performance.
They are now fifth in the Premier League, just three points from a Champions League spot.
The team has found success through set-pieces, scoring more goals from this method than any other side in the league since January.
Manager Arne Slot emphasised the importance of regaining confidence and winning crucial matches.
Upcoming fixtures against Wolves and Galatasaray will be pivotal for Liverpool's season.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the beginning of the season, Liverpool has faced challenges including player injuries and inconsistent performances. Below is a brief timeline of key events leading to their current form:

August 2022: Liverpool starts the season with mixed results.
December 2022: The club experiences a string of poor performances, leading to concerns about Champions League qualification.
January 2023: A change in strategy and renewed focus on set-pieces begins to show results.
February 2023: Liverpool secures vital wins, including the recent success against West Ham.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Liverpool’s recent win against West Ham has highlighted their improved attacking capabilities, especially from set-pieces. This tactical shift has yielded more goals and restored confidence within the squad.

What was already established

Earlier in the season, Liverpool struggled to find consistent form, with concerns over their ability to compete for a Champions League spot. The squad's depth and talent have always been present, but injuries and tactical issues hindered their performance.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans and households, Liverpool’s resurgence is promising, as it signifies a potential boost in morale for supporters and increased local business activity during match days. The club's success can also positively impact merchandise sales and local economy.

Businesses and jobs

The club's improved performance could lead to increased revenues, which may result in job stability and growth within the organisation and associated businesses. A successful campaign can also attract new sponsorship deals.

Policy and regulation

As Liverpool seeks to secure a Champions League spot, the implications for financial fair play regulations and club finances will be closely monitored. Maintaining profitability while achieving sporting success is crucial in the current economic climate.

Numbers that matter

5: Goals scored by Liverpool in their recent match against West Ham.
3: Points separating Liverpool from third place in the Premier League.
4: Number of wins in their last five Premier League matches.
7: Goals scored from set-pieces in their last nine games.
700 million: Record revenues reported by Liverpool for the last accounting year.

Definitions and jargon buster

Set-piece: A method of restarting play after a stoppage, including free-kicks and corners.
Champions League: A prestigious annual club football tournament organised by UEFA.
Premier League: The top tier of English football, comprising 20 clubs.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Liverpool's immediate focus will be on their upcoming fixtures against Wolves in the league and FA Cup, followed by a crucial Champions League match against Galatasaray. Winning these matches will be key to maintaining momentum.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, Liverpool will aim to solidify their position in the top five and strive for success in the FA Cup and Champions League. Their performance in the next month will be critical for their aspirations.

Signals to watch

Upcoming match results against Wolves and Galatasaray will indicate their momentum.
Player performance and injury updates, especially regarding key players like Mohamed Salah.
Changes in league standings as other clubs vie for Champions League qualification.

Practical guidance

Do

Support the team during upcoming matches to boost morale.
Stay informed about player injuries and match schedules.
Engage with local businesses during match days to support the community.

Don’t

Assume the current form guarantees success in future matches.
Neglect to follow updates on player fitness and squad changes.
Overlook the importance of each upcoming fixture in the context of the season.

Checklist

Review Liverpool’s match schedule and plan to watch key games.
Keep track of player performance stats and injuries.
Engage with fan communities for support and updates.
Monitor league standings regularly to assess Champions League prospects.
Consider attending matches or local fan events to enhance the experience.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Liverpool's recent form is promising, several factors could impact their season. Injuries to key players, fluctuating performances, and the competitive nature of the Premier League mean that nothing is guaranteed. Additionally, external factors such as financial regulations and potential sanctions could affect club operations.

Bottom line

Liverpool's 5-1 victory over West Ham signals a positive shift in their season, boosting hopes for Champions League qualification. With key fixtures on the horizon, the team's ability to maintain this momentum will be crucial for their success in both domestic and European competitions.

FAQs

What does Liverpool's recent win mean for their season?

Liverpool's recent 5-1 win over West Ham signifies a turnaround in their season, putting them in contention for a Champions League spot as they regain confidence and form.

How important are set-pieces for Liverpool's success?

Set-pieces have become crucial for Liverpool's recent success, with the majority of their latest goals coming from this method, showcasing their tactical improvement.

What are Liverpool's upcoming challenges?

Liverpool faces significant challenges in the next week, including matches against Wolves and Galatasaray, which will be pivotal for their season's trajectory.