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Van Dijk acknowledged the problem, stating that they have conceded too many set-piece goals and not scored enough.
Liverpool skipper Virgil Van Dijk. (X)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized the need for the Premier League champions to improve their poor record in defending set-pieces to sustain their recent good form.
The Reds narrowly defeated bottom-of-the-table Wolves 2-1 on Saturday, having conceded their 12th league goal from a set-piece in 18 games. No team has conceded more set-piece goals, and Liverpool themselves have only scored three times from set-pieces, excluding penalties. This minus nine differential is their worst in any Premier League season.
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Van Dijk acknowledged the problem, stating that they have conceded too many set-piece goals and not scored enough. He pointed out that it is often the second phase, rather than the initial contact, that causes issues. Van Dijk hopes it is not a mental issue, as he personally does not feel affected by it.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has frequently criticized his team’s dead-ball defending throughout the season. However, he noted signs of overall progress as Liverpool managed to beat nine-man Tottenham and Wolves in their last two matches, despite conceding from a corner in each game.
Slot lamented that Liverpool rarely scores from set-pieces and consistently concedes from them. Nonetheless, he emphasized the importance of finding ways to win despite setbacks such as conceding from set-pieces. He views the ability to win the last two games despite conceding from set-pieces as progress, although he acknowledges there are more areas for improvement.
Despite some unconvincing performances, Liverpool are on a seven-match unbeaten run. Three consecutive league wins have lifted Slot’s men back into the top four, although they remain 10 points behind leaders Arsenal.
United Kingdom (UK)
December 28, 2025, 11:47 pm IST
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