Liverpool’s Set-Piece Surge Sparks Top-Five Push

New Set-Piece Kings Liverpool Can Still Achieve ‘Something Beautiful’

The last time Liverpool scored five goals in a Premier League match, they were sealing the title in sunshine against Tottenham Hotspur.

On Saturday, similar conditions framed another five-goal display — this time against West Ham United — and while the stakes were different, the momentum feels real again at Anfield.

Arne Slot’s side now sit fifth in the table, just three points off third, with four wins from their last five league games.

After months of turbulence, belief is quietly returning.

Deadly at Dead Balls

Liverpool’s transformation has been driven by one key factor: set-pieces.

Since the turn of the year, no Premier League side has scored more goals from non-penalty set-pieces. Seven of their last nine league goals have come from dead-ball situations — including three first-half corner goals against West Ham.

Manager Arne Slot acknowledged the shift:

“The first half of the season, almost every set-piece we conceded went in. Now we start scoring from set-pieces and things start looking brighter.”

The departure of former set-piece coach Aaron Briggs at the end of 2025 forced internal adjustments, but the results are evident.

Liverpool’s structure has subtly changed — but perhaps more importantly, efficiency has returned.

Back in the Champions League Hunt

Earlier this season, a top-five finish looked uncertain.

A dip in form, tension involving Mohamed Salah and injuries to key players like Alexander Isak left the Reds drifting.

Now, the numbers tell a different story.

They have matched their previous 13-game win tally (four) in just five matches, while closing the scoring gap to the league’s top sides.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister summed up the mood:

“The last four or five months is when teams show what they can do… We are going to do everything to qualify.”

Financial Stakes, Football Ambitions

Champions League qualification is not just sporting ambition — it is financial necessity.

Liverpool recently confirmed record revenues exceeding £700m with a modest £8m profit after tax. European football remains central to sustaining that level.

And there is still plenty to play for.

Liverpool remain active in the FA Cup and Champions League, with upcoming clashes against Wolves and a European trip to Galatasaray shaping their next chapter.

Step by Step

Forward Cody Gakpo described the trajectory simply:

“Step by step, we’re getting a better team… hopefully these last few games are the start of something beautiful.”

Liverpool may not defend their title this season.

But with momentum, improved resilience, and a renewed threat from corners and free-kicks, the possibility of a strong finish — and perhaps something beautiful — is very much alive.