Liverpool among biggest threats from set-pieces, they just can’t defend them

Where once this was a Liverpool team who were the Premier League’s worst performing from set-pieces, there has been a radical transformation since the turn of the year that has put them among the very best.

The first three goals against West Ham were all the direct result of corners and, in the case of Cody Gakpo’s fourth, one that was recycled soon after. Arne Slot’s players still struggle to defend them, but in this case they could rely on West Ham being even more erratic than the home team when it came to getting organised. Liverpool are still making mistakes – just not as many as this opponent.

It would be unfair to blame the early-season form on the departure of coach Aaron Briggs, formerly responsible for Liverpool set-pieces – but something has changed.

A fourth straight win, since the defeat by Manchester City on February 8, takes Liverpool level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United, but it was still an anxious afternoon at Anfield for much of it. Nuno Espírito Santo’s team had moments where they looked competitive, especially the midfielder Mateus Fernandes, one of the game’s most influential players. But they also looked very flaky at the back – goals in the first half from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and then Alexis Mac Allister were all avoidable and put the game out of reach.