Arne Slot Highlights Arsenal's Set-Piece Superiority Ahead of Chelsea Match
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has made a bold prediction regarding Arsenal's upcoming Premier League fixture against Chelsea, emphasizing the Gunners' exceptional strength in set-piece situations. Following Liverpool's impressive 5-2 victory over West Ham on Saturday, Slot pointed to Arsenal's statistical dominance in this critical area of the game.
Liverpool's Resurgence and Statistical Context
Slot's comments came after his team secured their third consecutive Premier League win for the first time since December. The victory against West Ham was particularly notable for Liverpool's own set-piece efficiency, with Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister all scoring from corner-kick situations. This performance marked a significant turnaround for a team that had previously struggled to convert such opportunities.
"We created quite a lot of chances from set-pieces in the first part of the season and almost every set-piece we conceded went in," Slot explained. "Today you could see exactly the opposite happening. Things went back to normal, mainly, because we've created quite a lot of chances in the first half of the season that constantly did not go in."
Arsenal's Set-Piece Dominance
The Dutch manager specifically highlighted Arsenal's commanding lead in set-piece goals this season. According to Premier League statistics, Arsenal leads the league with 17 set-piece goals, followed by Newcastle with 14. Chelsea and Liverpool both trail with 12 each, while Manchester City sits much further down the table with just 6.
"There was a period of time that we were 23 goals behind Arsenal in set-pieces, including penalties," Slot revealed. "And we're still not only three goals away from them but we've closed the gap a little bit. Although you never know what can happen this weekend with Arsenal because I wouldn't be surprised if they scored three from set-pieces this weekend as well."
Tactical Adjustments and Chelsea Challenge
Slot acknowledged that Liverpool has made minor tactical adjustments both defensively and offensively in set-piece situations, but attributed their recent success primarily to regression to the mean. His comments serve as both praise for Arsenal's proficiency and a warning to Chelsea ahead of their Sunday afternoon clash at Emirates Stadium.
The Liverpool manager's analysis underscores how set-pieces have become a decisive factor in Premier League outcomes this season. With Arsenal holding a clear advantage in this department, Slot's prediction suggests Chelsea will face particular challenges defending against Mikel Arteta's well-drilled side.
As the Premier League season enters its crucial final months, such statistical advantages could prove decisive in the title race and European qualification battles. Arsenal's ability to consistently convert set-pieces has given them an edge that even rival managers like Slot recognize and respect.
