Journalist defends Arne Slot despite Liverpool’s recent struggles | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Set-Piece Struggles Reflect Deeper Physical Concerns

Arne Slot’s first season in charge of Liverpool delivered the ultimate high, ending with the Premier League trophy lifted at Anfield. Yet the start of his title defence has been far less convincing. Liverpool’s recent 3-2 defeat at Brentford marked their fifth loss in six games across all competitions, leaving them seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal. Beyond the scoreline, the manner of the goals conceded has sparked concern among fans and analysts alike.

Set-Piece Frustrations and the Brentford Breakdown

Liverpool’s vulnerability from set-pieces, particularly long throws, came under scrutiny after the early concession at the Gtech Community Stadium. David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, captured the collective frustration among supporters. “The most frustrating aspect of conceding from the long throw was giving it away in the first place,” Lynch noted, adding, “Just hit it up the line and not let it go out there.”

That moment encapsulated a side short on sharpness and composure in defensive transitions. Brentford, renowned for maximising such situations, exposed Liverpool’s uncertainty and punished their lack of authority in the air.

Yet Lynch was quick to highlight that criticism of Arne Slot’s tactics in this area may be misplaced. “I find some of the talk about Liverpool conceding from long-throws and the criticism directed at Arne Slot around it quite bizarre because I would love for someone to tell me the tactical setup that stops you from conceding from a long throw, what does the manager do?”

Physical Limitations and Structural Issues

Lynch’s assessment cuts to the core of Liverpool’s current problem. “Once Ajer gets that flick on, you cannot control where the ball lands. It might land for Brentford and it might land for Liverpool,” he explained. “The fact is, Liverpool aren’t capable of winning first or second balls. There’s a serious lack of physicality in this team.”

That observation is difficult to dispute. Liverpool have often relied on technical excellence, intensity, and structure rather than aerial dominance or brute force. Yet when facing sides like Brentford, who thrive on chaos and physical duels, those qualities can be insufficient. Lynch continued, “No matter how good you set up, you can’t game plan your team to be taller or more physical or better in first and second balls.”

His comments underline a squad imbalance that may not be solved by coaching alone. Recruitment and personnel decisions over recent seasons have prioritised versatility and ball retention, but as Lynch puts it, “It’s something that isn’t going to fix itself so people might need to strap in.”

Pressure on Slot and the Road Ahead

While some fans have directed frustration towards Slot, Lynch urged for perspective. “As much as people want to put pressure on Arne Slot, I don’t think he has been giving the tools to deal with that. Brentford played on it and it worked for them.”

Liverpool’s manager has inherited a team in transition, one still adapting to new tactical expectations while contending with clear physical deficiencies. Until those are addressed in future transfer windows, moments like Brentford’s early long-throw goal may continue to define frustrating afternoons.

Slot’s challenge now is to steady the ship, reassert control, and rediscover the resilience that defined Liverpool at their best. The title defence may already be slipping away, but stabilising performances will be key to ensuring that this dip does not become a deeper crisis.