Concerns about concession from set-pieces

Liverpool's Achilles' heel refuses to heal

As 2025 draws to a close, the Reds sit in fourth place after grinding out a 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield on December 27. Ryan Gravenberch's cool opener and Florian Wirtz's maiden goal for the club delivered the points, extending an unbeaten run to seven games. Yet the narrative post-match wasn't about celebration it was about yet another avoidable concession from a set-piece.

Santiago Bueno's second-half header from a corner sliced the lead in half, turning what should have been a comfortable afternoon into a tense scrap. That goal took Liverpool's tally of set-piece concessions in the Premier League this season to **12**—joint-highest alongside Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest. Only Bournemouth (12) and a couple of others match or exceed it. At the other end? Just three set-piece goals scored (excluding penalties), leaving a net deficit that stands as one of the worst in the division.

Virgil van Dijk didn't mince words after the final whistle: "We have defended so many set-pieces very well. But the fact is we've conceded too many goals like that and it hurts. We have to improve that. ... The second phase is a killer."

The captain's frustration is palpable. He knows the team drills these situations relentlessly, yet concentration lapses, poor marking in the second phase, and a lack of aerial aggression keep letting opponents back into games.

Manager Arne Slot echoed the sentiment, framing it as both a Liverpool-specific issue and a league-wide trend where dead-ball situations increasingly decide outcomes:

"I know the importance of it, it gets more and more... that's why we are so annoyed by our current record."

Slot has pointed out that excluding set-piece goals, Liverpool would likely sit five or six points higher in the table—such is their dominance from open play (top for chance creation in many metrics). But results don't come with asterisks. The manager has been blunt: without fixing this, a genuine top-four (or higher) push becomes "impossible."

The irony is stark. Last season, under different circumstances, the Reds barely conceded from set pieces. This campaign despite heavy summer investment and the arrival of a dedicated set-piece coach in Aaron Briggs the numbers have flipped dramatically. Alisson's command of his box has been solid but not infallible, and the outfield unit lacks the same ruthlessness that once defined Liverpool at dead balls.

With Leeds United up next on New Year's Day, the message from the coaching staff is clear: more intensity in training, sharper focus on second-phase battles, and zero tolerance for the "killer" moments. The talent is there. The open-play football is electric. But until the set-piece bleeding stops, every victory will feel like it's earned the hard way and every dropped point will sting that little bit more.

Fix this, and the ceiling rises dramatically. Ignore it, and fourth place might be the realistic summit rather than the floor.

YNWA. 🔴

Marc Guéhi Transfer Collapse: How Liverpool’s Defensive Coup Fell Apart in the Final Hour

Marc Guéhi’s £35 million move to Liverpool was meant to be one of the final flourishes of a blockbuster transfer window

The deal had all the ingredients of a late-window success: a top-six club making a decisive swoop, a player eager to take the next step in his career, and a fee deemed fair by all parties.

Yet, within a span of two chaotic hours, it all fell apart.

From Agreement to Abrupt Collapse

On the morning of September 1st, Liverpool and Crystal Palace had reached a verbal agreement for the England international centre-back. Guéhi had completed his medical in Merseyside and was preparing for what he believed would be his unveiling at Anfield.

Liverpool, racing against the clock, submitted the deal sheet before the 7 PM deadline, buying themselves extra time to complete the formalities. It appeared to be a done deal.

But football doesn’t follow scripts especially on deadline day.

In a stunning reversal, Palace manager Oliver Glasner refused to sign off on the move. The reason? The club’s targeted replacement, Brighton’s Igor Julio, had opted to join West Ham United. That left Palace scrambling and, ultimately, without a viable alternative at centre-back.

Glasner’s Stand: Football First, Finances Later

Sources close to the club revealed that Glasner made it abundantly clear to the board that selling Guéhi without a ready-made replacement would compromise the integrity of the squad and the tactical structure he had been building since his arrival.

The Austrian reportedly told Palace chairman Steve Parish that if Guéhi was sold without reinforcement, he would consider his position. With less than an hour left in the window and no backup plan secured, Parish blinked. The deal was dead.

In an era where player sales often outweigh footballing logic, Glasner’s stand was as rare as it was risky.

Guéhi’s Reaction

Grace Amid Disappointment Marc Guéhi, by all accounts, handled the collapse with admirable maturity. There were no leaked frustrations, no late-night agent statements, no cryptic social media posts.

Instead, the 24-year-old accepted the situation, even speaking with Glasner and Parish directly after the decision. Having played and scored in Palace’s match earlier that week, Guéhi seemed destined for a big exit. Instead, he now enters the final year of his contract with a fanbase that still holds him in high regard.

What comes next is unclear will he sign a new deal, push for a January exit, or leave on a free next summer? For now, he remains Palace’s captain, and perhaps their most important player.

Liverpool Left Exposed?

Liverpool spent a staggering £417 million this window, including the record-breaking acquisition of striker Alexander Isak. Yet, the failure to land Guéhi reportedly Slot's top target for defensive reinforcement leaves a glaring hole. The Reds have conceded 4 times so far in the early stage of the new season.

Expect renewed interest in January, though by then, Liverpool may find themselves competing with European giants for Guéhi’s signature without the leverage they had this summer.

What Next for Guéhi, Palace, and Liverpool?

Guéhi: Stays at Palace, at least until January. May sign a new deal or leave on a free in 2026.

Crystal Palace: Retains their captain but must brace for renewed transfer pressure in the winter window.

Liverpool: Left scrambling to reassess their defensive options, with no immediate fallback lined up.

Liverpool Reject Al-Ittihad £150m Bid for Mohamed Salah on Deadline Day

Is Mohamed Salah happy for Liverpool's rejection of Al-Ittihad £150m bid

Explore if Mohamed Salah is happy following Liverpool's rejection of a £150m offer by Al-Ittihad

• Mohamed Salah was promised a bumper contract package that would've saw him become of the highest paid player in football history by Al-Ittihad

Could Mohamed Salah, arguably one of the brightest stars gracing the football pitch today, really be content with Liverpool's refusal of Al-Ittihad's lucrative £150m bid? With a jaw-dropping deal that promised to make him one of the wealthiest players in the history of football at stake, it is a question that has left many speculating.

Is Mohamed Salah Happy for Liverpool's Rejection?

Making sense of the emotions of such a global superstar isn't exactly an open-and-shut case. But if we sift through the whispers, signs and subtleties, the answer might surprise you.

You might wonder: Can happiness be measured in financial terms alone, especially when you're already part of an elite, high-earning bracket?

Looking from a purely financial perspective, it's easy to think Salah wouldn't be overjoyed by Liverpool's decision to reject Al-Ittihad's offer. After all, it was a lucrative contract that would have taken him right to the pinnacle of the highest paid athletes in the football diaspora. But here's the twist: happiness, certainly for someone like Salah who has redefined success on the pitch, is not exclusively tied to the number of zeros on a paycheck.

Mohamed Salah's Commitment to Liverpool

Salah, ever since donning the iconic red jersey, has held an unwavering commitment to his team. His mastery with the ball coupled with his relentless drive for victory has helped establish Liverpool's supremacy in recent years. His affinity for the club and unwavering loyalty is well-documented. Consequently, despite a potential river of gold in Saudi Arabia, the grass may not seem greener for Salah anywhere other than Anfield.

The Expertise, Authority, and Trust Factor

Salah's rise to global fame and recognition is no fluke. His rabid work ethic, coupled with his unmatched expertise on the football field, has made him an authoritative figure in the sport. The trust that Liverpool has put into Salah and vice versa carries a lot of weight. Despite a potentially life-changing offer from Al-Ittihad, this trust is something that the Egyptian sharpshooter evidently values.

So, is Mohamed Salah happy for Liverpool's rejection of Al-Ittihad £150m bid?

Putting the noise and speculation on mute, it seems like Salah might just be content where he is.

Sure, it's possible that being positioned to become the highest paid player in football with the Saudi offer must have turned his head somewhat. Nevertheless, for a player of Salah's caliber and passion for his current club, real satisfaction might not be rooted in an enormous payday, but in being a key component of Liverpool's powerful momentum.

Transfer Deadline: Can Liverpool hold on to Mohamed Salah?

Ryan Gravenberch's Liverpool medical and contract photos

Wise to allow Mohamed Salah leave for a £100million at 31

£103 million to be agreed - would Mbappe suit Liverpool better than Real Madrid

Comparing Mbappe's potential fit with Liverpool and Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe celebrates goal against Toulouse

Kylian Mbappe has been linked with moves to both Liverpool and Real Madrid, but which club would be a better fit for the French forward? 

Mbappe's style of play and Liverpool's system could make for a potentially perfect match. The Reds's high-pressing style and emphasis on quick counter-attacks would suit Mbappe's pace and attacking prowess. Additionally, the potential loan signing of Mbappe could provide the Anfield  club with a much-needed boost in their attacking options. However, the financial considerations of such a move could prove difficult, as Mbappe's value is reportedly around £213 million.

On the other hand, Real Madrid's current squad and Mbappe's potential role could also make for a successful partnership. Real Madrid's attacking options already include the likes of Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, but Mbappe's addition could provide an extra level of creativity and goal-scoring ability. Additionally, Mbappe's preferred move is reportedly to Real Madrid, and the club has already agreed on a deal with him for a free transfer next summer. However, they  will come quickly with a £103m bid to prevent Paris Saint-Germain from tying down the player to a new contract this summer.

Financial considerations for Real Madrid could also prove difficult, as Mbappe's contract could cost around £64 million annually.

Ultimately, both Liverpool and Real Madrid would benefit greatly from the addition of Kylian Mbappe to their squad. While Liverpool's system could provide an ideal fit for Mbappe, the financial considerations could prove too difficult to overcome. On the other hand, Real Madrid's current squad and Mbappe's preferred destination could make for a successful partnership, but the financial cost could still be significant. As the transfer saga continues to unfold, it remains to be seen which club will secure the signature of one of the world's most talented young players.

Wow! Liverpool sign Sofyan Amrabat? What to expect from the Moroccan

Why Chelsea could regret big money move after Liverpool sealed Wataru Endo deal

John Barnes urges Liverpool to make a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze

Lionel Messi to Liverpool transfer claim made

Jurgen Klopp can handover job to two Reds legend

Danny Murphy has been talking about the prospect of two former Liverpool players taking over managerial role from Jurgen Klopp

Danny Murphy

Murphy believes both Steven Gerrard and Xabi  Alonso could be candidates to replace the German at Anfield. Klopp has been under a lot of pressure lately with a looming game against title contenders Manchester City amid the Reds' poor start to the season.

Liverpool are currently 10th in the Premier League, having won just two of their first eight games. Several key Merseyside players have failed to impress in the English top-flight, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah all facing criticism from pundits and supporters.

The Reds' 7-1 Champions League win in midweek quelled doubts about Klopp in the short term, but tensions will ease again if the former Dortmund boss can beat Pep  Guardiola's formidable Manchester City side on Sunday.

Murphy told Fair Gaming about Jurgen Klopp's position ahead of the game: “I think Steven Gerrard or Xabi Alonso could manage Liverpool, absolutely, yeah. I don’t think either of them have probably done just enough yet to warrant that.

“I don’t think there’s a Liverpool fan on the planet, irrelevant of the start of the season, that would be even thinking about a possible change with Klopp. I don’t see that at all.

“I think it’s a big couple of seasons for Stevie at Villa to show his credentials, implement his style. It’s been a little bit up and down for him at Villa. He’d probably be the first to say that, so we’ll have to wait and see.

“I think Alonso’s more in the infancy of his managerial career. So, you know, that’s a hard one to anticipate. I know he had a good first win, but in terms of their stature amongst Liverpool supporters and the legacy they’ve left, it would be silly not to think that one of them could be in the dugout at Anfield one day.”

Alonso was named head coach of Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month, leading the German side in his first game at the club to a 4-0 victory over Schalke.

Though Alonso's side came off worse against in the Champions League on Wednesday night, beaten 3-0 by Porto.

The former Reds midfielder is could  be deemed far from competing for a management role at Anfield at this time, also Gerrard's recent performances at Villa suggest some bits of uncertainty.

Three new signings who would ease Liverpool struggle - Jose Enrique

Klopp must relax spreading balls wide and return to tiki-taka

Alan Shearer slams six Liverpool players for underperformance

Liverpool told the January signing who would propel title challenge against Man City

Darwin Nunez will find his best form amid criticism

What's in Darwin Nunez's €25million add-ons?

Why Liverpool must sign a quality midfield player