Liverpool have quietly developed one of the strongest set-piece defensive records in the Premier League this season.
Ten games into the campaign, only Liverpool and Brentford have yet to concede a goal from a set piece.
That is an impressive achievement, particularly when you consider how much emphasis Premier League teams now place on corners, free-kicks and long throws.
But there is an interesting contrast in the statistics: while Liverpool are defending set pieces brilliantly, they are not getting nearly enough reward from their own attacking opportunities.
And that is something Andoni Iraola will want to address.
Liverpool are among the best defensively
The numbers make impressive reading.
Liverpool have conceded zero goals from set pieces, despite facing situations that have produced 1.3 expected goals against.
Only Arsenal have a lower set-piece xG against figure, at 0.8, although they have conceded twice.
Brentford are the only other side yet to concede from a set piece.
That puts Liverpool right at the top of the Premier League when it comes to defending these situations.
It is not simply about getting lucky, either. The organisation, physical presence and concentration required to maintain this record deserve credit.
Ronald Araújo’s presence has been particularly important. His height, strength and ability to compete in the air have added another dimension to Liverpool’s defensive structure.
Iraola has also acknowledged the contribution of his coaching staff and analysts in improving the team’s set-piece defending.
After the problems Liverpool experienced previously, this is a welcome change.
The attacking numbers tell a different story
Here is where things become frustrating.
Liverpool are fourth in the Premier League for set-piece expected goals, with 4.7, but have scored just once.
That first league set-piece goal finally arrived against Crystal Palace, when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick.
It was a welcome moment, but Liverpool should arguably have been scoring more regularly from these situations.
The top five for set-piece xG and goals scored are:
|Club |Set-piece xG|Goals|
|Leeds |6.1 |5 |
|Brighton |4.9 |7 |
|Brentford |4.9 |3 |
|Liverpool |4.7 |1 |
|Sunderland|4.4 |2 |
Liverpool’s 4.7 xG suggests they have created opportunities worth considerably more than the one goal they have actually scored.
That is a significant difference.
Set pieces can be absolutely crucial in tight Premier League games. When opponents defend deep and space is limited, a dangerous corner or free-kick can be the difference between winning and dropping points.
Liverpool need to become more ruthless.
Iraola is getting one part of the equation right
For me, the defensive improvement is particularly encouraging.
Liverpool have looked vulnerable from set pieces in previous seasons, and it is refreshing to see the team becoming so difficult to score against in these situations.
Araújo’s physical presence has helped, but it is also about the collective organisation. Everyone has a responsibility, from attacking the first ball to dealing with second balls and making sure opponents cannot take advantage of loose clearances.
The challenge now is to turn that defensive strength into an attacking advantage.
I would like to see Liverpool make better use of their delivery, movement and aerial options. They have players capable of causing problems in the opposition penalty area, and the statistics suggest they are already creating enough opportunities.
They just need to start converting them.
My verdict: Liverpool have a foundation to build on
There is plenty to like about these numbers.
Being one of only two Premier League teams yet to concede from a set piece after ten games is an excellent achievement.
But being fourth for set-piece xG while having only one goal to show for it is an opportunity Liverpool cannot afford to keep wasting.
Iraola deserves credit for improving the defensive side of things, and I would much rather have this problem than the alternative of constantly conceding from corners and free-kicks.
Now Liverpool need to become more dangerous at the other end.
If they can maintain this defensive record while improving their attacking efficiency, set pieces could become a major weapon for the Reds over the remainder of the season.
Defend them like this and start scoring more of our own – that’s the next step.
By Jamie
(The Kopite View)
Leave a Reply