Liverpool's set-piece revolution has been a game-changer, and it's all thanks to their adoption of a key trend sweeping the Premier League. But here's the twist: it's a controversial move that has divided opinions.
Arne Slot, the manager, had his reservations, calling it a "football heartache." Yet, he realized that embracing this new reality was the only logical path forward. So, Liverpool took a leap of faith and joined the ranks of the Premier League's set-piece specialists.
The results speak for themselves. Liverpool, once the league's worst-ranked team in set-pieces, has transformed into one of the best. How did they do it? By accepting and adapting to a new strategy.
Set-piece supremacy wasn't initially in Slot's playbook, but he gradually came around to the idea. He, along with his coaching assistants, took charge, and even brought in a set-piece analyst to fine-tune their approach. The departure of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs might have been a catalyst for this change, as the team embraced a collective approach to set-play commands.
The trend is clear: inswinging corners are now the norm, with most teams targeting the six-yard box for maximum chaos. Arsenal leads the way, and Liverpool, although late to the party, has caught up. The strategy is simple: pack the six-yard box with players, creating a bombardment of aerial attacks.
Offensive teams are now placing an average of 3.25 players in the six-yard box, up from 2.51 last season. This has forced defensive teams to allocate more players to this area, restricting space and reducing the likelihood of goalkeepers making first contact.
For Liverpool, the inswinger has been a game-changer. It has benefited players like Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike, and those who excel in the second phase, like Alexis Mac Allister. In their recent wins, Liverpool has scored from corners consistently, with a high percentage of their crosses landing directly in the sweet spot of the six-yard box.
The three corner goals against West Ham showcased the effectiveness of this strategy. While West Ham's defensive lapses played a part, the inward swing of the crosses was a key factor. This ploy has a higher success rate, as evidenced by Van Dijk's header and Ekitike's opener.
Liverpool's improvement in set-pieces has been a gradual process, and simple movement has also played a crucial role. Ekitike's height and positional intelligence have been key, as he holds space, draws defenders, and assists in different ways for each goal.
When Liverpool's primary passer, Florian Wirtz, is unavailable, it becomes even more vital for their striker, Ekitike, to be a set-play threat. Especially considering Liverpool generates a high number of corner kicks, they need to make the most of these opportunities.
While Arsenal sets the standard for set-play conversion, Liverpool has always been a force to be reckoned with in set-piece creation. Now, with their subtle tweaks to zonal play and delivery, they are converting those chances into goals.
So, what do you think? Is this a controversial move or a necessary adaptation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
