Arne Slot acknowledged the importance of set pieces in Liverpool’s victory
The Dutch manager spoke about his team’s strong performance in their 5-2 win over West Ham.
Liverpool FC delivered a statement victory over West Ham United with a resounding 5-2 scoreline, but the real story wasn't just the goals—it was how they scored them. In a stunning tactical turnaround, the "Reds" netted three goals from set-piece routines in just 45 minutes, a facet of the game that had been a persistent nightmare for manager Arne Slot for months.
Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister all found the back of the net following corner kicks. This clinical display was particularly unusual given Liverpool's recent history; the team had finished 2025 with some of the worst set-piece statistics in the Premier League, having conceded more goals from dead-ball situations than they had scored.
The Anatomy of a Tactical Transformation
Since the turn of the year, the landscape at Anfield has shifted. Slot has implemented key adjustments that are finally bearing fruit:
- Defensive Reorganization: A complete overhaul of how the team handles incoming crosses.
- Offensive Blocks: New variations in "screening" defenders to free up target men.
- Near-Post Aggression: A concerted effort to attack the first ball, which proved lethal against the Hammers.
Interestingly, Liverpool headed into the tunnel with a massive lead despite a relatively low Expected Goals (xG) from open play. Their efficiency on corners completely overshadowed a lack of fluid buildup in the first half. The second half saw a more end-to-end affair, with goals from Tomáš Souček and Valentín Castellanos for West Ham, while a Cody Gakpo strike and an Axel Disasi own goal sealed the victory for the hosts.
Slot’s Structural Success and the Wirtz Worry
Arne Slot was quick to praise his side for overcoming what he viewed as a "structural weakness." For the first time this season, a defensive set piece didn't feel like an automatic scoring chance for the opponent. According to Slot, there was no magical tactical revolution, but rather a focus on synchronization, trajectory reading, and conviction.
However, it wasn’t all celebrations. The Dutch manager confirmed that Florian Wirtz did not travel for the match due to persistent back discomfort. His availability for the upcoming clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers remains highly uncertain, forcing the medical staff to manage his recovery with extreme caution.
Nuno’s Verdict: "The Damage Was Done"
On the other side of the pitch, West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo described the result as "harsh." While he praised his team's second-half reaction and improvement in open play, he was honest about their failure to defend the basics.
"Errors in set-play strategy are a determining factor at this level," Nuno admitted. "The feeling was that the team improved in the second half, but by then, the damage was already done."
The Final Verdict
This 5-2 spectacle serves as a warning to the rest of the Premier League. If Liverpool has truly weaponized their set pieces, they have added a terrifying new dimension to their game. In a title race where the smallest details decide championships, this transformation could be the "X-factor" that carries the Reds to the trophy in the final stretch of the season.
