Overview
- After a 2-1 win over Wolves, Virgil van Dijk called the second phase of dead-ball situations "the killer" behind Liverpool's repeated concessions.
- Liverpool have conceded 12 set-piece goals in 18 league games and scored only three, producing a minus-nine differential that is their worst in a Premier League season.
- Arne Slot acknowledged the issue and pointed to back-to-back wins despite corner concessions, with a seven-match unbeaten run lifting Liverpool back into the top four.
- Sky Sports' tactical review found Liverpool are seldom beaten to the first header but switch off when the ball is recycled, citing examples against Manchester United, Leeds and Wolves.
- The analysis questioned the effect of set-piece specialist Aaron Briggs, whose background is largely in analysis, and suggested January reinforcements and clearer routines may be needed.