Arne Slot Critiques Premier League's Set-Piece Dominance

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of Premier League football, particularly the increasing reliance on set-pieces. He noted that 27.5% of goals scored this season are non-penalty set-piece goals, marking the second-highest rate since the 2009-10 season. Arsenal, currently leading the league, has excelled in this area, scoring 16 goals from corners—three more than any other team, equaling the record for the most in a Premier League season. In Liverpool's recent 5-2 victory over West Ham United, all three first-half goals came from corners, highlighting the tactical shift under Slot's management.

BBC News

Slot described the current trend as "the new reality" of the Premier League, where games have become increasingly stop-start due to the focus on dead-ball situations. He remarked, “If I watch other leagues, I don’t think there’s so much emphasis on set-pieces,” contrasting the leniency of English refereeing with that of the Eredivisie, where he previously coached. He lamented, “Here, you can almost hit a goalkeeper in his face and the referee still says, ‘just go on.’” Despite his personal distaste for this style, he acknowledged that it contributes to the league's competitiveness, stating, “Everyone can win against everyone.”

New York Times

Slot's critique extends beyond set-pieces; he believes the narrowing quality gap between teams has diminished the entertainment value of matches. He reflected on how, three or four years ago, there was a more significant disparity in performance between top and bottom teams, often resulting in high-scoring games. “Now, most of the games I see in the Premier League are not for me a joy to watch,” he said, emphasizing that the current competitive landscape has changed the dynamics of the league.

Daily Mail

In his pre-match comments ahead of Liverpool's game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Slot reiterated his views on the evolving nature of football in England. He stated, “We’re not going to change it,” accepting the trend while expressing hope that future changes might restore a more aesthetically pleasing style of play. He also mentioned the potential for this focus on set-pieces to influence youth football, predicting that “in five or ten years’ time, things will change again.”

The Hindu

• “Do I like it? My football heart doesn't like it.” — Arne Slot, Liverpool Manager

RFI (Radio France Internationale)

• “That's the new reality, and I have my opinion about it, but it doesn't change.” — Arne Slot, Liverpool Manager

RFI (Radio France Internationale)

• “Most of the games I see in the Premier League are not for me a joy to watch,” — Arne Slot, Liverpool Manager

The Guardian

Liverpool, currently fifth in the league, is set to face bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the potential to move up to third with a victory. Slot's side is also preparing for an FA Cup match against Wolves and a Champions League clash against Galatasaray. The team has shown improvement in set-piece execution since the departure of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs, and Slot will be looking to maintain this momentum as they navigate a busy schedule.

The Straits Times