Set Piece Struggles Define Liverpool’s Faltering Title Defence
Liverpool’s turbulent title defence has taken another bruising turn after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, a result that underlined wider systemic problems in Arne Slot’s side. Now sitting 11th in the Premier League table and 11 points behind leaders Arsenal, the champions look a long way from the structured, intelligent team that lifted the trophy only months ago. One of the clearest indicators of this decline is the ongoing crisis around set pieces, an area that has repeatedly cost Liverpool both momentum and points.
This issue came into sharper focus on the latest Anfield Index podcast, where Dave Davis spoke with respected journalist David Lynch. His insights were stark, and they cut through the noise with precision.
Set Piece Concerns Growing Under Aaron Briggs
Set piece coach Aaron Briggs has found himself at the centre of scrutiny, particularly as Liverpool continue to leak goals from dead ball situations. Lynch did not shy away from the severity of the situation. He noted, “Sometimes you can get unlucky but if you are already absolutely terrible from them anyways, then the number of goals will add up.”
The numbers certainly back that up. Liverpool are failing to convert simple opportunities in attacking areas and remain worryingly fragile when defending. Lynch added, “It is not very good at the moment and Slot has seemingly been putting a bit of pressure in him by talking about set-pieces in his press conferences.”
Slot’s public emphasis on set pieces is no coincidence. It reflects the growing internal concern that these repeated lapses are not isolated errors but symptoms of a deeper structural issue.
Pressure Mounting On The Coaching Staff
Liverpool under Slot have been a team built on high pressing, shape discipline and quick transitions, yet all of that work is being undermined by poor set piece organisation. Lynch highlighted the severity once more: “If he feels like it’s a real issue then there could be a conversation to be had there because there’s no signs of improvements. Liverpool aren’t scoring them at a good enough rate and they are conceding an awful lot of them.”
Supporters can see exactly what Lynch describes. Corners look predictable, free kicks lack invention and the defensive line often appears flat. In a Premier League defined by fine margins, these weaknesses have contributed directly to Liverpool losing six of their last seven league matches. Confidence has drained from the group and those small inefficiencies have become large vulnerabilities.
Need For Urgent Improvement
The message from Lynch was simple and blunt: “The fact is, it just has to improve and without being overly ruthless, it’s really not good enough.”
Slot has shown he is willing to make tough calls, and as the pressure increases, attention will naturally fall on Briggs and the wider staff. Liverpool’s season is not beyond saving, but without immediate defensive and attacking set piece progress, the slide will continue.
For now, the champions remain stuck in a cycle of avoidable setbacks. Set pieces should be a source of advantage for a squad with Liverpool’s physical and technical profile. Instead, they have become a weekly liability. Slot must find a solution, because this part of the game is hurting Liverpool more than any injury list or tactical adjustment.
