Arne Slot Says Premier League Games ‘Not A Joy To Watch’ Over Set-Piece Focus

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has claimed most Premier League matches are no longer a “joy to watch”, admitting his “football heart doesn’t like” the growing obsession with set-pieces.

Non-penalty set-piece goals account for 27.5 per cent of all league strikes this season, the second-highest share since 2009-2010. Corners and free-kicks are proving decisive in a campaign shaped as much by rehearsed routines as open play.

Slot’s comments came after Liverpool’s 5-2 win over West Ham United on Saturday, when all three of their first-half goals arrived from corners. Since the turn of the year, the Reds have scored more set-piece goals than any other side in 2026, excluding penalties.

Naija News reports that Liverpool’s rivals Arsenal have also profited from set-pieces this season. Their 16 goals from corners are three more than any other team and equal the highest tally recorded in a single Premier League season.

“You have to accept it,” said Slot. “I think it’s mainly here in the Premier League. If I watch other leagues, I don’t think there’s as much emphasis on set pieces.

“If I watch an Eredivisie game, which I still do, I see goals being disallowed and fouls on goalkeepers being given and I think ‘wow, that’s a big difference’. Here, you can almost hit a goalkeeper in his face and the referee still says ‘just go on’.”

The Dutchman, who previously coached in the Eredivisie, believes the physical approach at dead-ball situations is changing the spectacle.

He said, “Do I like it? My football heart doesn’t like it. If you ask me about football, I think about the Barcelona team from 10 to 15 years ago. Every Sunday evening you were hoping they would play.

“Now, most of the games I see in the Premier League are not a joy to watch for me, but it’s always interesting because it’s so competitive.

“That is what makes this league great because there is so much competitiveness. Everyone can win against everyone.”

Liverpool parted company with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs on 30 December, yet their output from corners and free-kicks has surged. Slot accepts that there is little chance of reversing the trend.

“We aren’t going to change it,” he added, looking ahead to Tuesday’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“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.”