Slot on PL's set-piece physicality: My football heart doesn't like it

Arne Slot does not enjoy the physicality of set-pieces in the Premier League, as he worries there is too much focus on such scenarios.

Premier League leaders Arsenal are hugely effective from set-pieces. Indeed, all three of the goals in the Gunners' 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday were scored from corners.

Liverpool also had joy from dead-ball situations against West Ham on Saturday. In fact, each of their last four away goals in the Premier League have come from set-piece scenarios. Excluding penalties, just four of their previous 23 strikes on the road in the league had been from set-plays.

There have now been more goals scored from corners in the Premier League this season (138 in 281 games) than in the whole of last term (135 in 380 games).

While Slot does not particularly enjoy it, he knows it can be effective.

"I watch the Eredivisie still and fouls against goalkeepers are always given. Here you can almost hit a goalkeeper in his face and it's play on," the Liverpool boss told reporters ahead of the Reds' trip to Wolves.

"My football heart doesn't like it. Said many times I loved watching Barcelona 15 years ago. Most of the games in the Premier League are not a joy to watch but it's always interesting as it's so competitive. That's what makes this league great - anyone can beat anyone.

"I wouldn't be surprised if you see under-16s teams completely focused on set-pieces.

"The Premier League now is all the teams that have a lot of money and can get very good players at the right age. The playing style is hard to control if you face long balls. It's really hard not to concede a throw-in in your own half or a free-kick within 80 yards of your own box.

"Being a manager, you constantly have to change your approach. But it's hard to find a tactic not to give away a throw-in or a free-kick."

Liverpool's 5-2 win over West Ham sent them into the top five, and they are now just three points off fourth ahead of facing the league's bottom club.

"Two weeks ago you could say we are not that well placed. Things change really fast. We are really close together with a few teams and things can change every single matchday," Slot added.

"We focus on our next game, on ourselves. We know every game has been difficult throughout the whole season and that's what we expect now."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Wolves - Adam Armstrong

Armstrong has provided as many assists in the Premier League since joining Wolves (two in five games) as he managed in his previous 48 appearances in the competition while playing for Southampton.

Liverpool - Mohamed Salah

Salah has been involved in nine goals in his last 10 Premier League appearances against Wolves, scoring five times and providing four assists.

He has netted in both of his last two games against Wolves.