"The term essentially refers to a team's defensive shape - blocking space close to their own goal. The closer to their goal, the lower the block. Slot's side - who cruised to the Premier League title last season in his first year in charge - have struggled for fluidity and consistency this term. And one of the reasons for that, according to the Reds boss, has been their inability to break down sides who defend deep against them."
""One [way] is a set-piece," Slot said. Using set-pieces to unlock stubborn defences is a pattern numerous top teams are leaning on. The percentage of opening goals scored from non-penalty set-pieces in the Premier League this season is 32.2%, the highest since 2011. This is partly because set-pieces are a part of the game that still favour the attacking side, with teams able to choreograph routines throughout the week. Unlike some of their rivals, however, Liverpool have failed to capitalise in this area."
Arne Slot repeatedly refers to 'low blocks', meaning opponent defensive shapes congesting space close to goal. Liverpool, Premier League champions last season, have lacked fluidity and consistency this term and have faced the highest percentage of low blocks among top-flight teams. The side has found space more readily in the Champions League, scoring nine and conceding none in their past two European games. Slot pointed to set-pieces as one method to unlock deep defences. Premier League opening goals from non-penalty set-pieces stand at 32.2% this season, but Liverpool have not capitalised on that advantage.
Read at www.bbc.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]