Set-Pieces Diminish the Joy of Premier League Football, Says Slot

Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, has expressed that many matches in the Premier League have become less enjoyable, attributing this shift to a greater focus on set-pieces this season.

Changing Dynamics of the Game

According to Slot, approximately 27.5% of goals scored in this Premier League season have come from non-penalty set-pieces, marking the second-highest ratio since the 2009-10 season.

• Arsenal has excelled in set-piece opportunities, netting 16 goals from corners, which is the highest number in any single Premier League campaign.
• During Liverpool’s recent 5-2 victory over West Ham United, all three first-half goals were attributed to corner kicks.
• Following the departure of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs on December 30, Slot’s squad has emerged as the top scorer from set-pieces (excluding penalties) in 2026.

“I have to accept this trend,” reiterated Slot. “It seems specific to the Premier League; other leagues don’t place as much importance on set-pieces.”

A Global Perspective on the Game

Slot compared the current state of the Premier League to that of the Eredivisie, noting that in other leagues, fouls involving goalkeepers are more frequently penalized.

• He reminisced about the Barcelona team of the past that captivated viewers week after week: “That was football that made you look forward to every Sunday evening,” he noted.
• “Unfortunately, many games in the Premier League currently fail to deliver that same thrill for me, though their competitive nature keeps things intriguing.”

Slot acknowledged that the prevalence of set-pieces is becoming the “new normal” in the league and expects this focus will trickle down even to youth football.

“We’re unlikely to change this dynamic,” he stated, hinting at Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures, “It wouldn’t surprise me if younger players today prioritizing set-pieces above all else in Sunday League matches.”

Injury Updates for the Squad

Slot has also indicated that midfielder Florian Wirtz may not be ready for the upcoming matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers due to a back injury sustained in a warm-up for the Nottingham Forest game.

• Wirtz was absent during the match against West Ham and is tentatively expected to return for the Champions League clash against Galatasaray on March 10.
• “There’s not much to add from what I mentioned on Saturday,” Slot said regarding Wirtz’s potential comeback.
• “Tuesday’s match will likely come too soon for him, as well as maybe Friday’s fixture. Nonetheless, we’re hopeful he will be back next week.”

Slot’s remarks provide insight into how the tactical landscape of the Premier League is evolving amid growing reliance on set-pieces.