Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the tactical shift in the Premier League this season, stating that the excessive reliance on set pieces is robbing football of much of its inherent beauty and enjoyment. Slot's comments reflect a clash of philosophies between the school of thought that favors open, possession-based play and the new pragmatism adopted by Premier League clubs to maximize their chances of winning at all costs.
The paradox of numbers and the contradiction of Liverpool's philosophy
Despite his harsh criticism, Slott finds himself in a paradoxical position, as his team has become one of the biggest beneficiaries of this tactical weapon. The former English champions struggled with set pieces, both defensively and offensively, at the start of the season, but the improvement has been significant and impactful. Statistics show that seven of Liverpool's last nine league goals have come from set pieces, including three from corner kicks that contributed to their emphatic 5-2 victory over West Ham last Saturday at Anfield.
Set pieces and the changing identity of the historic Premier League
The English Premier League has never been unfamiliar with physicality and aerial duels throughout its history, with English football traditionally known for its "kick-and-run" style and reliance on crosses. However, what Slott criticizes is the shift from spontaneity and physicality to a precise "science" that constantly disrupts the flow of play. "First, you have to accept it. I think this is fundamentally the Premier League," Slott explained to reporters on Monday, adding that when he watches other European leagues, he doesn't find the same level of emphasis placed on set pieces as in England.
The Dutch coach highlighted a crucial point regarding goalkeeper protection, explaining that goalkeepers in the Premier League receive far less protection from referees compared to the Dutch league or other major European leagues. He remarked sarcastically, reflecting the reality: "Here, you can practically punch the goalkeeper in the face and the referee will just tell you to continue," emphasizing that his footballing heart doesn't favor this approach, despite its necessity.
Arsenal and the consecration of the new reality
Arsenal is the prime example of this shift that worries Slot, as the Gunners have become masters at exploiting set pieces as a lethal weapon to break down defensive blocks. On Sunday, Arsenal scored their 16th goal of the season from a set piece following a corner kick, equalling the league record. This qualitative advantage has forced other clubs, including Liverpool, to dedicate more time in training to this aspect, thus reducing the time spent developing open, technical play.
Nostalgia for the Guardiola era and the future impact of this trend
Slot fondly recalled Barcelona's golden era under Pep Guardiola, renowned for its skillful, possession-based, short-passing style – a style favored by the Dutch coach. He explained that most of the Premier League matches he watches now no longer provide him with the enjoyment of watching them due to the constant stoppages and physical battles inside the penalty area.
Looking ahead to the future of the game, Slott warned that this trend could change the face of football for generations to come. He noted, "Things might change again in five or ten years, but I wouldn't be surprised if I went to an under-16 game somewhere and saw teams focusing entirely on set pieces ." Despite his dismay, Slott acknowledged that the intense competitiveness of the Premier League, where any team can beat any other, remains the most exciting and compelling element of the league, even if it comes at the expense of aesthetic appeal.
