In anticipation of the Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday, Arne Slot emphasized Arsenal’s impressive set-piece capabilities. Slot, the manager of Liverpool, noted that his team has much to learn from Arsenal’s effectiveness in scoring from set-pieces, which could be a critical factor in the upcoming clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool recently secured a significant 5-2 victory over West Ham, marking their third consecutive win in the Premier League for the first time since December. The team’s goals against West Ham were notably influenced by set-piece opportunities, with Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister all scoring from corner situations.
Set-Piece Dominance and Tactical Insights
Following the match, Slot reflected on the differences in set-piece scoring between Liverpool and Arsenal. He expressed concern that Liverpool remains behind Arsenal in this area, stating, “We created quite a lot of chances from set-pieces in the first part of the season, and almost every set-piece we conceded went in.” He acknowledged that while Liverpool has improved, they still need to catch up to Arsenal’s dominance.
Slot elaborated on Liverpool’s performance, saying, “I think one of their first big chances was a set-piece that would have gone in in the first six or seven months of the season, 100 percent sure.” He noted that the recent shift in their scoring from set-pieces has revitalized the team’s confidence, a sentiment he shared with the fans after the match.
Current statistics reveal Arsenal leads the Premier League in set-piece goals this season, with a total of 17 goals. Liverpool, alongside Chelsea, follows with 12. Slot acknowledged the challenge posed by Arsenal, admitting, “There was a period of time that we were 23 goals behind Arsenal in set-pieces, including penalties.” He highlighted that Liverpool has narrowed the gap but recognizes the potential for Arsenal to extend their lead further.
Looking Ahead to the Chelsea Match
As Liverpool prepares for their match against Chelsea, Slot remains cautious yet optimistic. He remarked, “You never know what can happen this weekend with Arsenal because I wouldn’t be surprised if they scored three from set-pieces this weekend as well.” This statement underscores the pressing need for Liverpool to improve their defensive strategies against set-pieces to compete effectively.
With the match set for Sunday afternoon, both teams will be keenly aware of the importance of set-piece execution. Arsenal, led by manager Mikel Arteta, will aim to exploit any weaknesses in Liverpool’s defensive setup. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, as the outcome could have significant implications for both clubs’ standings in the league.
In conclusion, the upcoming fixture promises to be an exciting contest, highlighting the tactical intricacies of set-pieces that could very well determine the victor. As both teams continue their pursuit of Premier League success, the clash at the Emirates Stadium is set to be a pivotal moment in their campaigns.
