“Set pieces turn the Premier League into a shadow of what it once was.”

Arne Slot, the energetic manager of Liverpool, did not hesitate to express his deep disappointment with the current dynamics of the Premier League, which, according to him, has become a shadow of its former self. In strong statements, Slot claimed that the excessive emphasis on set-piece situations is turning English league matches into a less exciting experience. “My footballing heart doesn’t like this,” he lamented, in a criticism that resonates with football enthusiasts.

The numbers are clear: 27.5% of the goals scored in the Premier League this season have come from non-penalty set pieces, one of the highest rates since the 2009-10 season. Arsenal, in particular, has excelled in this area, with 16 goals resulting from corners, setting a historic record for the competition. This dominance in set pieces has been one of the keys to the Gunners’ title challenge.

In Liverpool’s latest match, the resounding 5-2 victory against West Ham United was marked by effectiveness from corners, with all three of the team’s first goals coming in this manner. The departure of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs at the end of December left a mark on the team’s dynamics, but Slot still leads one of the teams that has excelled in this aspect this season.

“We have to accept this,” said Slot, referring to the new norm that seems to dominate the Premier League. “When I watch other leagues, I don’t see as much emphasis on set pieces. In the Eredivisie, for example, there is a noticeable difference in referees’ decisions, who often disallow goals or call fouls on goalkeepers. Here, it seems you can even hit a goalkeeper in the face and the referee says ‘play on’.”

Slot’s frustration is palpable, especially when he recalls the glorious days of football played by Barcelona. “10 or 15 years ago, every Sunday you would look forward to watching them play. Now, most of the Premier League games don’t bring me joy, although they are always interesting due to the competitiveness,” he commented.

The Dutch coach acknowledged that set pieces are the “new reality of the Premier League” and wouldn’t be surprised if this trend reflected even in youth football. “We’re not going to change that,” Slot added as he prepared for the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. “I wouldn’t be surprised if, while watching a Sunday league game, I saw 16-year-olds completely focused on set pieces.”

Additionally, Slot updated the situation regarding player Florian Wirtz, who is unlikely to be available for the matches against Wolverhampton due to a back injury. The German midfielder missed the victory against West Ham, and the expectation is that he will return for the Champions League match against Galatasaray on March 10. “I don’t have anything different to say than what I said on Saturday,” Slot stated. “Tuesday’s game will probably come too soon, and maybe Friday’s as well. But we’ll see how everything ends up. We hope to have him back next week, perhaps a little earlier or later, but that’s the forecast.”

As the Premier League continues to evolve, the struggle between the aesthetics of the game and the effectiveness of set-piece plays promises to be one of the most debated topics in the coming weeks. The question remains: to what extent can this new reality impact the essence of the football we all love?