'Not a joy to watch' - Arne Slot on the Premier League's new style | OneFootball

Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted that he doesn't enjoy watching most Premier League games due to the new set-piece heavy style.

The English top flight has changed chiefly due to the effectiveness of league leaders Arsenal at set-pieces. The Gunners won 2-1 at home to Chelsea on Sunday in a game that was low in football quality but high on wrestling from both sides.

"First of all, we just have to accept it. I think it's mainly here in the Premier League, because if I watch other leagues there isn't so much emphasis on set-pieces," Slot said when asked about the state of football in England right now.

"Do I like it? My football heart doesn't like it. For me, 10 or 15 years ago, I was always looking forward to watching Barcelona play every Sunday evening, but for me most of the games in the Premier League are now not a joy to watch.

"However the games are always interesting because they are so competitive. That's what makes this league great – anyone can win against anyone – but, as someone who loves to watch football, there's a big difference in the Premier League compared to three or four years ago.

"We aren't going to change it though. I just wouldn't be surprised if you went to watch a Sunday League match now and the 16-year-olds were completely focused on set-pieces."

The Reds are currently building momentum to ensure they make the Champions League next season after a poor start to the season and will be expected to win away to Wolverhampton Wanderers one of two clashes in a row in both the league and FA Cup at Molineux.

However, Slot will have to do it without Florian Wirtz who hasn't featured since the 3-0 win over Brighton on Valentine's Day: "We hope to have him back sometime next week, maybe a bit earlier or a bit later, but that is the timescale."