Liverpool: Arne Slot takes aim at Arsenal in new set-pieces verdict | OneFootball

Premier League leaders have become renowned for dead-ball dominance

Not a fan: Arne Slot

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Arne Slot appeared to aim a dig at Arsenal as he complained about the over-reliance on set-pieces in the Premier League this season.

The Gunners have found plenty of joy from corners and free-kicks this term, scoring 22 of their 58 league goals from dead balls.

Mikel Arteta’s side sit top of the table, five points clear of Manchester City in second place.

They reinstated their five-point cushion on Sunday after their 2-1 win over Chelsea, and William Saliba and Jurrien Timber both bundled over from set-plays to give the league leaders all three points.

Liverpool boss Slot, however, has revealed that he “does not like” how set-pieces have become so prominent in the English top flight.

“Do I like it? My football heart doesn't like it.

Slot’s side had scored the least from set-plays from the start of the campaign until the turn of the year, but since January, no team has scored more from dead balls than the Reds.

Liverpool struck three times from corners in their 5-2 victory over West Ham at the weekend.

“We have to accept it,” the Dutchman contineud.

“It’s mainly here in the Premier League. In other leagues, there’s not so much emphasis on set-pieces. It’s funny for me when I watch Eredivisie games, seeing goals disallowed for fouls on goalkeepers, and I think, ‘Wow, that’s a big difference’.

“Here, you can almost hit a goalkeeper in the face and the referee says, ‘Just go on’.”