The Premier League is witnessing a fascinating tactical evolution, and Liverpool's recent success is a testament to this. But here's the twist: they've embraced a strategy that some might consider uncharacteristic for their style of play.
Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager, offered an intriguing insight after their impressive win over West Ham. He attributed their remarkable turnaround in set-piece prowess to a shift in approach, acknowledging that 'things have gone back to normal.'
Liverpool's recent surge in set-piece goals is undeniable, with seven of their last nine Premier League goals coming from these situations. This is in stark contrast to their earlier struggles, where they held the dubious honor of the worst set-play record in Europe's top five leagues.
Slot's initial reluctance, stemming from his traditional football philosophy, is understandable. However, the results speak for themselves. By adapting to the league's evolving trends, Liverpool have quickly risen from the bottom to become one of the best.
The transformation began with a change in mindset. Slot, initially resistant, has now taken personal responsibility for set-piece strategy, aided by his coaching staff. The departure of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs has led to a collective approach, mirroring a league-wide trend.
The focus on inswinging corners targeting the six-yard box is a key element. This tactic, mastered by Arsenal, has been adopted by Liverpool, albeit later than most. The statistics reveal a significant increase in offensive players in the six-yard box, impacting defensive strategies and goalkeeper effectiveness.
Liverpool's success is further exemplified by their recent corner goals. In their last three league wins, they've scored from corners, with a remarkable 70% landing directly in the center of the six-yard box. This is a dramatic improvement from their previous set-piece record.
The victory over West Ham showcased this new approach. Their three corner goals were aided by West Ham's defensive lapses, but the inward-swinging crosses proved decisive. This strategy has been particularly beneficial for Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike, with Alexis Mac Allister also playing a crucial role.
The departure of Aaron Briggs and the subsequent collective management of set-pieces have been pivotal. Liverpool's improvement is not just a recent phenomenon but has been building for weeks, indicating a sustainable change.
The tactical shift is also evident in the utilization of Ekitike, whose height and intelligence are assets. His role varies from holding space to drawing defenders and assisting from the back post. With limited options in open play, his set-piece threat is invaluable, especially given Liverpool's high corner kick generation rate.
While Arsenal remains the benchmark for set-play conversion, Liverpool has always been adept at creating chances. Now, with minor adjustments to their zonal play and delivery, they are converting these opportunities into goals.
And this is where it gets intriguing: Is Liverpool's new-found success a result of embracing a more pragmatic approach, or is it a temporary anomaly? Are they sacrificing their traditional style for short-term gains? These questions are bound to spark debate among football enthusiasts. What do you think? Is this a sustainable strategy, or will it fizzle out as quickly as it emerged?
