Results have picked up for Liverpool as of late, but there is one big problem that seems to persist.
The Reds are now unbeaten in their last seven games, with their latest win against Wolves leaving them fourth in the table.
Despite positive results, though, performances still have not been anywhere near good enough and Arne Slot still has some major issues to deal with.
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There is one issue, however, that seems to be highlighted every game, with Virgil van Dijk the latest to mention it, with Liverpool now holding an unwanted record across the whole of Europe.
Liverpool’s issues are from the second phase of set pieces
Set pieces are now a huge part of football, with teams in the Premier League aiming to go more direct, something Liverpool have not been able to cope with.
However, some will put it down to not being good enough aerially, but that is not actually the case as the Reds often win most of the first balls.
It is the second phase of play that catches them out, something van Dijk highlighted after their win against Wolves.
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“It’s something we have to improve. I would say at least 75% of the time or even more, it’s not even about the first contact. It’s the second phase that is the killer,” he said as per BBC Sport.
“Is it a mental thing? I hope not. If that’s in your head then it’s an issue. Personally, it’s not in my head.”
Liverpool have conceded 12 times from set pieces this season, the worst record out of any club in Europe, highlighting just how big a problem they have.
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One statistic that shows just how bad Liverpool are in this department is that Harry Maguire’s header during Man United’s win back in October is the only time they have conceded directly from a first-phase header, as per Sky Sports.
However, Bruno Fernandes’ cross was the second phase of play after initially clearing Bryan Mbeumo’s cross.
All the other 11 they have conceded have directly come from the second phase and a failure to clear the ball, with not one coming via an opposition’s head.
This clearly shows where Liverpool’s main issue lies, and if something is not done about it soon, then they will keep on being exploited.
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