Slot Sounds Alarm as Set-Piece Boom Changes Premier League

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that the modern Premier League is becoming less enjoyable to watch because of the growing dominance of set-pieces — even as his own team continues to profit from them.

Slot’s honest verdict
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Dutch coach said his “football heart doesn’t like” the current trend, although he accepts it is now part of the league’s reality.

Slot pointed to the numbers behind the shift:
27.5% of Premier League goals this season have come from non-penalty set-pieces
That is the second-highest rate since 2009-10
Teams are increasingly building their attacking identity around dead-ball situations
Despite his reservations, Slot acknowledged the competitive nature of the English top flight.
“Most of the games I see in the Premier League are not for me a joy to watch — but it’s always interesting because it’s so competitive.”

Arsenal leading the set-piece revolution
One of the clearest examples is Arsenal, whose title push has been heavily powered by their dominance from corners.

Key stats:

Arsenal have scored 16 goals from corners this season
That is three more than any other team
It equals the Premier League single-season record
Their efficiency has forced rivals to rethink defensive and attacking structures at dead balls.
Liverpool benefiting despite concerns
Ironically, Slot’s own side have been among the biggest beneficiaries.
During their 5-2 victory over West Ham United:

All three first-half goals came from corners
Liverpool have scored the most set-piece goals in 2026 (excluding penalties)
This comes shortly after set-piece coach Aaron Briggs departed Anfield on 30 December.

Slot admitted the trend cannot be ignored.

“You have to accept it… We aren’t going to change it.”
Why the Premier League is different
Slot suggested the English game allows more physical contact around goalkeepers compared with leagues like the Eredivisie.

He even warned the influence of set-piece obsession could filter down the football pyramid.
“I just wouldn’t be surprised if you went to watch a Sunday League match now and the 16-year-olds were completely focused on set-pieces.”

The bigger picture
While Slot may prefer the flowing style of the great FC Barcelona side from a decade ago, he conceded the Premier League’s unpredictability remains its biggest strength.