Late to set-piece Party, Liverpool Seizes Momentum

Despite a slow start to the season, Liverpool‘s recent performances indicate a newfound mastery of set-pieces, a crucial aspect of modern football. In a stunning 5-2 victory over West Ham United, the Reds showcased their ability to capitalize on corners and free-kicks, a stark contrast to earlier inefficiencies that had plagued them.

Key Highlights

• Liverpool scored three goals from corners in the first half against West Ham, a rare feat in Premier League history.
• Alexis Mac Allister’s goal marked Liverpool’s third set-piece goal during the match.
• The Reds have now scored more set-piece goals in the last eight league games than any other team.
• Manager Arne Slot praises the team’s turnaround in set-piece effectiveness.

When Alexis Mac Allister drilled home the hosts’ third goal of the afternoon at Anfield, it marked a pivotal moment for Liverpool, making them only the second team in Premier League history to score three goals from corners in the first half, following Manchester United’s achievement in September 2016. This statistic would have seemed outrageous earlier in the season when Liverpool‘s struggles with set pieces consistently undermined their performance.

The club’s earlier woes led to the dismissal of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs in December. However, manager Arne Slot defended Briggs, emphasizing the collective responsibility in their previous failures. “It would be unfair to blame Aaron entirely; I bear the ultimate responsibility,” Slot stated, reflecting on a period of misfortune.

Nonetheless, Saturday’s match demonstrated a significant shift in fortunes. Liverpool, known for their slow starts this season, quickly took control when Ryan Gravenberch recycled possession from a corner, setting up Hugo Ekitike for an impressive finish. This goal not only highlighted Ekitike’s importance but also marked his 11th league goal of the season, making him the first Liverpool player to achieve 20 goal contributions this term.

West Ham, despite a strong recent run with only one loss in their previous six league games, struggled to cope with Liverpool‘s set-piece prowess. Virgil van Dijk scored the second goal, nodding in Dominik Szoboszlai’s in-swinging corner. Liverpool’s third goal came just before halftime, further solidifying their dominance.

Slot noted that Liverpool’s recent success from set pieces was not down to any singular factor but rather a culmination of improved performances. “It’s satisfying because that’s the reason we’ve won,” he reflects. “We were creating chances from set pieces earlier this season, but we were conceding too many as well.”

In a season filled with dramatic moments, Liverpool‘s first-half performance was a refreshing change, as it was the first time they scored three goals in the first half of a league match since clinching the title against Tottenham Hotspur last April. However, they again made things difficult for themselves in the second half, allowing West Ham to score shortly after the break.

Even with the late drama, including a deflected goal from Cody Gakpo, Liverpool‘s win showcased their potential. They remain in fifth place in the Premier League, just three points behind third-placed Aston Villa, demonstrating that despite their imperfections, they are a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.

Having arrived late to the set-piece party, Liverpool is now eager to make up for lost time. Their recent performances suggest this could be the secret weapon they need to finish the season on a high note.

FAQs

Q: How many goals did Liverpool score from set pieces against West Ham?
A: Liverpool scored three goals from set pieces during the match against West Ham.

Q: Who scored Liverpool‘s goals in the match?
A: Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk, and Hugo Ekitike were among the goal scorers in the 5-2 victory.

Q: What does Liverpool‘s recent performance indicate about their set-piece strategy?
A: Liverpool has significantly improved their efficiency in scoring from set pieces, now leading in that area over the past eight league games.

Q: What is the current standing of Liverpool in the Premier League?
A: Liverpool is currently in fifth place, just three points behind third-placed Aston Villa.

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