If Liverpool Had Replaced Their Dead-Piece Coach Sooner

LIVERPOOL, SATURDAY — Coach Arne Slot has once again demonstrated that his explanation regarding set pieces as the main cause of Liverpool's decline is not unfounded. Liverpool has truly become a better team thanks to improvements in set pieces, following the replacement of the set-piece coach.

This was evidenced when "The Reds" triumphed over West Ham United 5-2 at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, on Saturday (28/2/2026 WIB). The foundation of the victory for Virgil van Dijk and his teammates came from three goals in the first 45 minutes. All of these goals were produced through corner kick schemes.

Three goals from set pieces were enough to overshadow Liverpool's rather mediocre performance. "The score is 5-2, but the match was tighter than it appeared. When you know you can score from set pieces during a deadlock, that's good. We lacked that at the beginning of the season," said Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo.

The opening goal for Liverpool was scored by striker Hugo Ekitike in the fifth minute. The ball did not go directly into the net after a corner kick. It briefly left the penalty area before being headed back into the box. Ekitike successfully took advantage of the opponents' lapse in concentration on the left side.

Midway through the first half, it was Van Dijk's turn to double the lead. This time, the goal came from a Dominik Szoboszlai pass from a corner kick. Szoboszlai's inswinging pass was met by Van Dijk's header.

Liverpool concluded the first half with a 3-0 lead thanks to a shot from midfielder Alexis Mac Allister inside the penalty area. The midfielder capitalized on a scramble from a corner kick executed by Mohamed Salah. The West Ham players failed to clear the pass effectively.

The three early goals demonstrated that Liverpool has significantly improved in set-piece situations. They are no longer the same team as in the first half of the season. From the beginning of the season until the end of 2025, they experienced a goal deficit from set pieces outside of penalties, amounting to -9 (3 goals scored - 12 goals conceded).

As a result of the poor outcome, set-piece coach Aaron Briggs was removed from the team. Lewis Mahoney took over his role. The change proved effective. Since the beginning of the year, Liverpool has recorded a goal surplus of +6 from set pieces (9-3). They have been significantly more productive and have managed to minimize conceding, especially from corner kicks.

"The main aspect of this victory is that we scored three goals from set pieces. Previously, we had opportunities as well, but we struggled to convert those into goals. We know that gradually we can return to a normal situation again. That is starting to happen. Set pieces can make a significant difference," said Slot.

Liverpool had scored just one goal from a corner kick in the first 22 league games. They have now scored six goals in just their last six games using this technique. The most significant change under Mahoney is the inswinging technique. Left-footed players take corners from the right side, and vice versa.

In line with the ball sent towards the goal, the Liverpool players will gather right in front of the opposing goalkeeper. "The Reds" create chaos in the opponent's penalty area. The figure who benefits the most in this situation is Van Dijk, one of the most reliable players in aerial duels across the league.

It's no wonder Van Dijk has scored three goals in his last six league games using a similar inswinging pass. Previously, in the first half of the league, the veteran Dutch national team defender hadn't scored a single goal.

As a result of the chaos created by the corner kick scheme, West Ham became overly focused on guarding the area in front of the goal. Liverpool almost always seized the opportunity to attack from the rebound. This situation occurred during the buildup to the home team's first and third goals.

West Ham coach Nuno Espirito Santo stated that his team should have been able to secure points if they had defended better during set-piece situations. "It's hard to explain, especially in the first half. We played well, created several chances, and defended solidly. Until finally, a set piece determined the outcome of this match. That is certainly disappointing," he said.

Set pieces, which were initially a weak point, have now become a key weapon for "The Reds." Liverpool has won three consecutive league matches thanks to set pieces. Imagine if Mahoney's arrival had occurred at the beginning of the season; perhaps the defending champions would not have to struggle for a spot in the top four.

Although it has improved, Liverpool is still far from perfect in set-piece situations, particularly in defense. This was evident as they conceded a goal from a corner kick in the second half, scored by the visiting team's striker Valentín Castellanos. (AP/REUTERS)