View 2 ImagesArne Slot has identified one of Liverpool’s problems(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Arne Slot has confessed that Liverpool’s failure to defend set pieces is why they can’t expect to be any higher in the Premier League table. The reigning champions slumped to a 3-3 draw away to Leeds Unitedon Saturday, having been in the lead twice.
Hugo Ekitike’s quick-fire double in the second half looked to have set Liverpool on their way to a second victory in three games. But when Ibrahima Konate was penalised for a tackle on Wilfried Gnonto by VAR, the game changed.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted the resulting penalty before Anton Stach made it 2-2 just three minutes later. Although Dominik Szoboszlai restored the Reds’ lead soon after, Leeds scored from a corner in the 96th minute and condemned Liverpool to a gut-wrenching draw.
Post-match, Slot pointed his finger at his side’s poor record when defending set pieces as one of the main reasons why they’re languishing in eighth place and have failed to win eight of their opening 15 league games. “There’s a sense of disbelief,” the Liverpool boss told Match of the Day.
“I think we played quite well to very well during large parts of the game and went 2-0 up. I don’t think we had any problems and I don’t think we conceded a chance until the moment we make a foul which is not even a chance.
“It’s not about me. It’s about us, it’s about the fans. The players have worked so hard and again to concede from a set piece – the 10th or 11th this season. If you concede so many you cannot be higher up the table than we are.”
Slot added to Sky Sports: “It’s not the first time we have dropped points, it’s not the first time we have conceded a goal in the last minute, it’s not the first time we have conceded from a set piece.
View 2 ImagesLiverpool conceded a 96th-minute equaliser from a corner(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
“I think every fan can understand what the mood was like in the dressing room. Nine minutes of extra time and then they score. It’s not the first time. We’re the only ones to blame.:
“What you can say is he (Konate) tries to prevent the cross from coming. If you want to call it a mistake, it’s a mistake from hard work and trying. There was contact that’s for sure. The player was already going to the floor. But again in that situation we should look at ourselves.”