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liverpool head coach Arne Slott Admittedly it must be impossible to be a top four team with their poor record on set-pieces.
The Reds are only behind fourth-placed Chelsea on goal difference at Christmas as their effectiveness from open play has compensated for problems with free-kicks, corners and throw-ins.
Liverpool have scored just three set-piece goals in the league this season while conceding 11 and that is a disappointment in the slot.
“I know the importance of it, it’s becoming even more so and that’s why we are so troubled by our current record,” he said.
“It’s a big disappointment where we are this season, because when we were halfway through last season (when they won the league) we didn’t concede a single set-piece (goal).
“With our set-piece balance it is impossible to be in the top-four, top-five, let alone win the league.
“We are the only team at the top of the table whose set-piece balance is negative (Manchester City are actually at minus-one according to official data supplier Opta) – not only are we negative, we are minus-eight and still on equal points for fourth.
“But if we’re minus-eight – Chelsea I think is plus-eight (actually plus-four) and armory And United are very high (each has scored 10) and if you look at it you can say how special it is that we have as many points as we have if you have that set-piece balance.
“We all know why that is because we are number one in the league in open chances.”
Injuries remain an equally serious issue for the slot, with the news that Alexander Isak will be out for a few months after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury and a bone fracture in his lower left leg adding to his problems.
He is hopeful that fellow forward Cody Gakpo and full-back Connor Bradley will be fit enough to return for the trip to Wolves after injuries, but their chances are pegged at 50-50.
With Mohamed Salah out at the Africa Cup of Nations, defender Joe Gomez out with a hamstring injury, Wataru Endo having an ankle problem and fellow midfielder Dominic Szoboszlai suspended, the slot-thin squad is going to be tested over the festive period.
He said, “Now is the time for the players we have available to do what they have done so many times and roll up their sleeves. Not only our players but our fans as well.”
“The players who are available need to give their all.”
There were suggestions that Liverpool could bring back harvey elliott from a sad debt spell Aston VillaWhere he has not featured since October 2 and does not appear to be included in Unai Emery’s plans.
However, it is understood the club have a no recall clause in the agreement, which includes an obligation to buy for £35 million if he makes a certain number of appearances, although this now looks unlikely.