Liverpool manager Arne Slott says most Premier League games are no longer a “joy to watch” and his “football heart doesn’t like” the emphasis on set-pieces this season.
Of the total goals scored in the league this season, 27.5% were non-penalty set pieces, which is the second-highest proportion since the 2009-10 season.
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Arsenal’s strength at set-pieces has been a key part of their title challenge and they have scored 16 goals from corners, three more than any other team and equaling their most in a Premier League season.
All three of Liverpool’s first-half goals in Saturday’s 5-2 win over West Ham United came from corner kicks.
Set-piece coach Aaron Briggs left Anfield on December 30, with Slott’s side becoming the league’s top scorers from set-pieces (excluding penalties) in 2026.
“You have to accept it,” Slaughter said. “I think it’s mainly in the Premier League. If I watch other leagues I don’t think there’s as much emphasis on set pieces.
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“If I watch an Eredivisie game (and I still do) I’ll see a goal disallowed and a foul on the goalkeeper and I’ll think ‘wow, that’s a big difference’. Here you can almost hit the goalkeeper in the face and the referee will still say ‘get on with it’.”
“Do I like it? My football heart doesn’t like it. If you ask me about football, I think of Barcelona 10, 15 years ago. Every Sunday night you wish they could play.
“Now, most of the games I see in the Premier League are not a pleasure for me, but it’s always interesting because it’s so competitive.
“That’s what makes this league great, because the competition is so fierce. Everybody can beat everybody.”
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Slott admits set-pieces are the “new reality in the Premier League” and believes it could even become a theme in the junior leagues.
“We won’t change it,” the Dutchman added as he previewed Tuesday’s game against Wolves.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if you went to watch a Sunday league game now and find 16-year-olds completely focused on set-pieces.”
Wirtz should be back next week
Slaughter hinted that Florian Wirtz will miss this week’s back-to-back games against Wolves after suffering a back injury in last weekend’s warm-up game against Nottingham Forest.
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The German midfielder missed Liverpool’s game against West Ham United but is most likely to return for the Champions League tie against Galatasaray on March 10.
“I’m not different from what I said on Saturday,” Slaughter said.
“Tuesday’s game might come too early, maybe Friday’s game too.
“But let’s see how this plays out. We’re hoping he’ll be back sometime next week, maybe a little earlier or a little later, but that’s the timeline.”
