Report: The man behind Liverpool’s deadly set-piece routine | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Set-Piece Masterclass: Slot Reveals the Man Behind the Goal

Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City wasn’t just about grit, control, and clinical finishing—it was a lesson in precision from the training ground. Arne Slot’s side delivered a performance that reaffirmed their title credentials, and their opening goal was no accident.

A well-orchestrated set-piece routine saw Dominik Szoboszlai deftly flick Alexis Mac Allister’s low corner into the path of Mohamed Salah, who did what he does best—finding the back of the net. It was a goal straight from the tactics board, and after the match, Slot was quick to highlight the man responsible for its execution.

Photo IMAGO

The Influence of Aaron Briggs

Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Slot credited Aaron Briggs, Liverpool’s first-team individual development coach, as the architect behind the crucial breakthrough.

Briggs, a former Manchester City analyst, has carved a reputation for his meticulous approach to set-piece strategies. Since joining Slot’s backroom staff in the summer, he has taken charge of key training drills, ensuring Liverpool capitalise on dead-ball situations.

Photo IMAGO

“He has done his work very, very, very well and you don’t always see the result of that during games because many times we were close to scoring,” Slot explained.

Briggs’ tactical nous has been honed across European football. Following his nine-year stint at City, he worked with AS Monaco, Wolfsburg, UEFA, and FIFA before arriving at Anfield. Now, his influence is beginning to show as Liverpool turn set-pieces into genuine weapons.

Why Set-Pieces Matter in the Title Race

Liverpool’s dominance this season hasn’t just been about their attacking fluidity or defensive resilience—it’s been about the details. Slot made it clear just how vital set-pieces are when competing at the highest level.

“If you want to win a big game, then you need to have a neutral balance in set-pieces or a positive one,” he emphasised.

Photo: IMAGO

Against Aston Villa earlier in the season, Liverpool conceded from a dead-ball situation and failed to respond in kind. Against City, it was a different story. Salah’s goal shifted the momentum, turning a tight contest into a game Liverpool could control.

“It wasn’t that we were dominating the game,” Slot admitted. “It wasn’t expected that we could score at any second, so yeah, set-pieces are vital.”

His words underline a broader truth—title-winning teams don’t just rely on open-play brilliance; they find ways to unlock defences in moments that matter.

Patience and Precision in Slot’s Project

Liverpool’s set-piece success hasn’t materialised overnight. Slot acknowledged that implementing these routines takes time, referencing Arsenal’s evolution under Mikel Arteta.

“We started with a new group of people this season, and we need to give them a bit of time… It takes a bit of time before you see the result – and that’s what we’re hoping for in the upcoming 11 [games] as well.”

As the Premier League season enters its final stretch, these finely tuned details could be the difference between lifting the trophy and falling short. If Liverpool continue to turn training-ground drills into match-winning moments, they will be difficult to stop.