Liverpool manager Arne Slot delivered a candid assessment after his side’s 2-1 loss at Crystal Palace, acknowledging defensive lapses from set pieces as the deciding factor. Despite dominating possession, Liverpool were undone by Ismaïla Sarr’s early opener and Edward Nketiah’s dramatic stoppage-time winner, either side of Federico Chiesa’s late equaliser.
Slot told Sky Sports that his team’s inability to defend crucial moments cost them the game. “Very difficult first half. They did really well and deserved to be 1-0 up, we were lucky it was only 1-0. Second half it was the opposite. It took a while before we scored and we did with a few minutes left. But from a second set piece they won the game.”
Liverpool’s set-piece struggles
Slot was particularly frustrated with his team’s regression in defending dead-ball situations, an area that was one of their strengths last season.
“If you want to compete you need a very positive balance with set pieces and even more in this league. It was one of our biggest strengths last season, now we have conceded two against Newcastle and two here.” — Arne Slot, Sky Sports
The Dutchman added: “This league is more and more and more about set pieces.” His comments reflect a growing concern for Liverpool, who have now conceded four goals from such scenarios in recent matches.
Palace’s low block proves decisive
Slot also credited Palace’s organisation under Oliver Glasner, admitting his side found it hard to break them down. “Their game style fits really well to their players. They have a low block with fast players on the break and a big man in Mateta. We had a lot of problems in the first half. The rest of time we had possession but very hard to beat that low block.”
Liverpool enjoyed 72% possession and registered 20 shots, but Palace created more big chances (7 to Liverpool’s 6) and were far more clinical in front of goal.
The late goal and lessons learned
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time, when Nketiah pounced after a long throw-in created chaos in the Liverpool box. Slot accepted the additional minutes were justified but rued the defending. “It is never ideal when you concede in extra time of extra time. But there was a sub so half a minute extra was fair. I have to check when they exactly scored but we have to defend the throw-in better.”
Looking ahead, Slot vowed his side will learn from the setback. “We take learnings from all the games we have played and we can take even more from a game like this.”
Match stats: Palace edge clinical battle
| Stat | Crystal Palace | Liverpool |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 28% | 72% |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 2.45 | 2.25 |
| Total Shots | 16 | 20 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 4 |
| Big Chances | 7 | 6 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 3 | 5 |
| Hit Woodwork | 1 | 1 |
| Shots off Target | 7 | 11 |
| Blocked Shots | 2 | 5 |
source: sofascore match data – 27 September 2025
Despite enjoying just 28% possession, Palace carved out seven big chances and proved more efficient in front of goal. Liverpool’s dominance of the ball did not translate into enough cutting edge, with Chiesa’s late strike their only breakthrough before Nketiah’s decisive moment.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William argued that Slot’s concerns are justified. “Liverpool were vulnerable in exactly the areas Palace thrive — set pieces, transitions, and direct play. Conceding from a throw-in in stoppage time underlines a lack of concentration at key moments.”
He added: “Slot is right to highlight the defensive decline from dead-ball situations. It’s a fixable issue, but until it is corrected, Liverpool will continue to drop points against compact, disciplined sides like Palace.”
Key insights
- Arne Slot admits Liverpool must “defend the throw-in better” after Palace defeat.
- Liverpool dominated possession (72%) but conceded two from set-piece scenarios.
- Federico Chiesa equalised late before Edward Nketiah’s stoppage-time winner.
- Slot warns set-piece defending has regressed compared to last season.
- Palace’s low block and counter-attacking strategy frustrated Liverpool.
What’s next for Liverpool?
Liverpool’s loss leaves them needing a swift response as the Premier League campaign intensifies. Defensive frailties, particularly from set plays, will be a priority in training this week.
Arne Slot will also be tasked with rediscovering attacking sharpness against deep defensive structures. With tough fixtures ahead, the question remains whether Liverpool can fix their set-piece weakness quickly enough to stay in the title race.
👉 Do Liverpool’s set-piece struggles under Arne Slot threaten to derail their Premier League title hopes?
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