Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized the need for the Premier League champions to improve their poor record in defending set-pieces to sustain their recent good form.
The Reds narrowly defeated
bottom-of-the-table Wolves 2-1 on Saturday, having conceded their 12th league goal from a set-piece in 18 games. No team has conceded more set-piece goals, and Liverpool themselves have only scored three times from set-pieces, excluding penalties. This minus nine differential is their worst in any Premier League season.
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Van Dijk acknowledged the problem, stating that they have conceded too many set-piece goals and not scored enough. He pointed out that it is often the second phase, rather than the initial contact, that causes issues. Van Dijk hopes it is not a mental issue, as he personally does not feel affected by it.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has frequently criticized his team’s dead-ball defending throughout the season. However, he noted signs of overall progress as Liverpool managed to beat nine-man Tottenham and Wolves in their last two matches, despite conceding from a corner in each game.
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Slot lamented that Liverpool rarely scores from set-pieces and consistently concedes from them. Nonetheless, he emphasized the importance of finding ways to win despite setbacks such as conceding from set-pieces. He views the ability to win the last two games despite conceding from set-pieces as progress, although he acknowledges there are more areas for improvement.
Despite some unconvincing performances, Liverpool are on a seven-match unbeaten run. Three consecutive league wins have lifted Slot’s men back into the top four, although they remain 10 points behind leaders Arsenal.
