Liverpool set set-piece fortunes return to form as Arne Slot backs players ahead of Forest test

• Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says recent set piece improvements represent a return to normal standards rather than tactical overhaul
• Slot defends former coach Aaron Briggs and insists responsibility for earlier struggles rests with him
• Nottingham Forest challenge provides immediate test of Liverpool defensive progress

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot believes his side’s recent set piece improvement is a correction to the mean rather than the product of radical change, as they prepare for another examination of their defensive resilience at Nottingham Forest.

Set pieces have been a persistent concern for much of the season, with Liverpool conceding far too frequently while failing to convert their own opportunities. The issue became so pronounced that Aaron Briggs, who had been promoted into the role of individual development coach at the start of the campaign, departed in late December.

Since then, Liverpool’s numbers have shifted sharply. In their first 26 matches, they conceded 13 goals from set pieces and scored eight. In the 12 games following Briggs’ exit, they have conceded just twice while scoring eight times themselves. Slot, however, was keen to remove blame from Briggs and instead framed the turnaround as a statistical correction.

“It would be very unfair to blame Aaron because in the end I am responsible for everything,” Slot said. “We were in a period where we were incredibly unlucky. We barely gave away chances from set pieces but every ball seemed to go in. At the other end, we created plenty of opportunities and the ball did not go in.”

Slot added that Liverpool have not significantly altered their approach. “We did not change that much, maybe one or two slight adjustments. What changed is that things went back to normal, which we expected. In the Champions League, I think we were number one from set pieces, so this level is not new for us.”

The challenge now is sustaining that improvement in the Premier League, where Liverpool have been more vulnerable. Their upcoming trip to Nottingham Forest will provide another test, although history offers encouragement. Five of Liverpool’s eight league goals against Forest since their return to the division in 2022 have come from set pieces, suggesting opportunity at both ends of the pitch.

Slot is also preparing to face his third different Forest manager in just four matches, following encounters with Nuno Espirito Santo and Sean Dyche earlier this season. Forest are now under the leadership of Vitor Pereira, whose arrival has brought renewed confidence and tactical clarity.

“Back in November they were under different management and that can always make it more difficult,” Slot said. “You only have one game to assess whether a manager changes personnel or tactics. But we know him from his time in the Premier League last season.”

Reflecting on Liverpool’s earlier defeat at the City Ground, Slot highlighted how set pieces had shaped the contest. “We started very well for half an hour, then conceded from a set piece and the game completely changed. We know what to expect because I have played Forest three times already.”

With Liverpool’s title challenge gathering momentum, maintaining consistency in defensive situations could prove decisive. Slot is confident his side is now rediscovering the balance and efficiency required to meet the demands of the run-in.