Liverpool Must Stand By Arne Slot Amid Set-Piece Struggles

Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces mounting pressure after a heavy 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, but former player Jamie Redknapp insists the club must remain patient during this challenging period.

Liverpool’s Set-Piece Frailties Deepen Crisis

Liverpool’s latest loss to Nottingham Forest, their second at home to Steve Cooper’s side in just over a year, has intensified scrutiny on Slot’s leadership. Forest’s disciplined and aggressive display ruthlessly exposed Liverpool’s persistent vulnerability to set pieces—a problem that has plagued them all season. The opening goal came in the 33rd minute, with Murillo capitalizing on Liverpool’s failure to clear a corner. Despite Liverpool’s protests, VAR confirmed the goal, ruling no interference with goalkeeper Alisson. Shortly after, a Forest goal was disallowed for handball, offering the Merseysiders brief relief, but further strikes from Nicolo Savona and Morgan Gibbs-White sealed Liverpool’s fate and sent frustrated fans leaving early.

Jamie Redknapp Urges Patience for Arne Slot

Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Redknapp appealed for calm, urging Liverpool officials and fans not to react hastily. “They need to be patient, Arne Slot deserves that after last year,” he stated, referencing Slot’s achievements in his first season. Redknapp emphasized that rebuilding requires time, especially when a team is enduring injuries and tactical transitions.

Injuries Force Liverpool Into Makeshift Line-ups

Liverpool’s injury woes worsened against Forest, with key players like Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley sidelined due to muscle problems. Jeremie Frimpong’s ongoing absence further stretched the squad, forcing Slot to deploy Curtis Jones in an unfamiliar right-back role. Up front, Alexander Isak’s lack of sharpness was evident as he was replaced by Hugo Ekitike after 68 minutes, but neither could spark a comeback.

Captain Virgil van Dijk addressed the team’s issues with uncharacteristic candor, highlighting the lack of defensive cohesion and the mental toll of the recent slump. “We concede too many easy goals, especially from set pieces,” Van Dijk admitted. “We have to work harder and take responsibility as a team. Losing at home to Nottingham Forest is very bad. We need to digest this and keep going.”

Liverpool’s Set-Piece Weaknesses Demand Attention

Liverpool’s defensive fragility from set pieces is now a glaring concern. According to Opta, the Reds have conceded nine goals from dead-ball situations so far this season—the third-worst record in the Premier League. This is a sharp decline from last season’s disciplined, title-winning performances, when they conceded just 41 goals in total. Shockingly, four of Liverpool’s last six games have seen them let in three goals, a damning statistic for a club that invested heavily in attacking talent while neglecting defensive reinforcements. The missed signing of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has proven costly, and Liverpool may need to revisit that pursuit in January. Until then, Slot must rely on a struggling backline to navigate a crowded fixture list.

Looking Forward: Time and Hard Work Needed

As frustration grows among supporters, patience will be crucial for Liverpool’s long-term ambitions under Arne Slot. The club’s leadership is facing a defining moment: whether to support the manager through adversity or seek change. With the Champions League and domestic fixtures piling up, Liverpool’s ability to regroup will shape their campaign.

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Opinion: Slot Deserves Time to Rebuild

Arne Slot’s Liverpool are clearly in a difficult spell, and defensive lapses—especially from set pieces—are costing them dearly. However, changing managers after every setback rarely brings lasting success. Slot earned trust with his achievements last season and must be given the opportunity to address these weaknesses and rebuild belief. With patience and some targeted defensive additions in January, Liverpool can emerge stronger from this testing period.