Former Liverpool FC striker John Aldridge has raised fresh concerns over the team’s defending — particularly from set pieces — following the win over Crystal Palace FC.
Despite the result, Aldridge believes Liverpool were fortunate not to be punished.
A clear mismatch
One moment stood out.
Maxence Lacroix, a clear aerial threat, was being marked by Florian Wirtz — a mismatch that immediately raised eyebrows.
For Aldridge, it brought back memories of a similar issue:
- Dan Burn vs Alexis Mac Allister in a previous cup final
- Height and physicality ignored
- Predictable danger left unchecked
“They knew exactly what to do”
According to Aldridge, Palace identified the weakness quickly.
Lacroix repeatedly:
- Peeled off at the back post
- Found space too easily
- Created clear chances
He could have scored twice — only denied by Freddie Woodman and a crucial block.
A failure to adapt
The biggest frustration wasn’t the initial mistake — it was the lack of reaction.
Aldridge questioned why:
- Adjustments weren’t made
- Marking wasn’t switched
- Senior players didn’t intervene
With leaders like Virgil van Dijk on the pitch, he expected more organisation and communication.
“It’s simple”
Aldridge’s point is blunt.
If something goes wrong once:
- Fix it immediately
- Don’t let it happen again
Instead, Liverpool continued to look vulnerable from multiple corners — suggesting a deeper issue.
A recurring problem
This isn’t a one-off.
Set-piece defending has:
- Been inconsistent
- Caused problems throughout the season
- Contrasted with Liverpool’s attacking threat from similar situations
That imbalance is becoming harder to ignore.
Got away with it
Ultimately, Liverpool weren’t punished.
But Aldridge is clear:
- Better teams will take those chances
- Games can turn quickly
- Margins are too fine to ignore simple issues
Final thought
Liverpool got the win — but the warning signs are there.
As Aldridge put it, this isn’t a complex tactical problem.
It’s basic organisation.
And if it’s not addressed, next time they might not be so fortunate.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
The Kopite View 
Leave a comment