Liverpool manager Arne Slot has adopted a unique, statistical stance to temper concerns over his side’s poor defensive record from set-pieces, suggesting the predicament is “not even that bad” considering their league position ahead of the crucial clash with Manchester United.
The Dutchman, whose team has conceded four of their nine goals this season from dead-ball situations, pointed to the impressive open-play production of his side, while highlighting the efficacy of title rivals, widely understood to be Arsenal, from similar scenarios.
Slot stated: “If you’d tell me that we’ve conceded 40% of our goals from set pieces & the number one in the league has scored 60% of their goals from set pieces and we’re still one point behind that team, I would probably think, ‘it’s not even that bad!’
The gaffer confirmed his side remains the top squad for Expected Goals (xG) created from open play, a statistic he maintains is the true measure of their offensive verve.
After three successive defeats before the international break, Slot is demanding a significant reaction from his players in the “special” United fixture to prove they have the stamina to remain in the title running.