Set Pieces Set Liverpool Apart In The Premier League

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Trent Alexander-Arnold provided two more set piece deliveries for Virgil van Dijk to head home against Brighton

Remember the not to distant past when set pieces were the bane of Liverpool’s existence? In just a few short years, the Reds have managed to turn offensive set pieces from moments of resigned apathy (and defensive set pieces a game-long feeling of abject terror) into instances of anticipation. Since the start of the 2018/2019 Premier League season, Liverpool have scored 40 set pieces, more than any other team in the league.

That set piece ability was on display against Brighton, as Trent Alexander-Arnold was able to find Virgil van Dijk’s head twice in the first half.

“We’ve got big lads and if we get the delivery right then we’ve got a good chance of scoring goals or at least making the ‘keeper work,” said the young fullback.

“With the quality we’ve got with the boys and their heading quality, it’s all about the delivery and putting it in areas and timing the runs.”

The delivery from the young Scouser has been on point this season. Trent Alexander-Arnold has delivered three assists from corners this season, along with another from a free kick. This accounts for half of the assists from set pieces to this point.

Even when Liverpool haven’t been at their best, they’ve been able to rely on their set piece prowess to see them through, just as it did against Brighton.

“It was a difficult day for us, probably one of the most difficult games we’ve had at Anfield so far this season,” said Alexander-Arnold.

“But we managed to score two set-pieces and that was massive for us. We know how big a three points that was today.”

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com