Liverpool’s Corner Strategy Revamps, Leading to Van Dijk’s Winning Goal vs Sunderland

In a recent match, Liverpool demonstrated a revamped approach to set-piece strategies, helping them secure a 1-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The match showcased the team’s efficiency in converting corners, marking an important evolution in their play.

Set-Piece Strategy Changes

Virgil van Dijk scored the winning goal with a header from a corner taken by Mohamed Salah. This marked Liverpool’s third goal from corner kicks in their last four Premier League matches. However, it’s noteworthy that their total of four corner goals this season still ranks among the lowest in the league.

Manager Arne Slot noted the importance of capitalizing on set-pieces, especially after earlier games resulted in draws against teams like Leeds and Burnley. The recent change in approach has been instrumental in transforming Liverpool’s performance.

Adopting Inswinging Deliveries

Prior to their recent success, Liverpool had the lowest percentage of inswinging corner deliveries in the Premier League, at just 49.4%. The league average hovers around 70%. Since the shift in strategy following a defeat to Bournemouth, their inswinging delivery percentage has surged to 82.5%. In their matches against Bournemouth, Newcastle, Manchester City, and Sunderland, Liverpool executed 28 of their 34 corners as inswingers.

• Previously scored 1 goal from 117 corners.
• Now scored 3 goals from 34 corners since strategy change.

This notable increase in efficiency coincided with the departure of their set-piece coach Aaron Briggs. The focus on inswinging deliveries has allowed Liverpool to target the six-yard box more effectively, enhancing their scoring opportunities.

Exploring the Six-Yard Box Strategy

Liverpool’s approach now includes strategically positioning more players within the six-yard box. This tactic, referred to as the “meat wall,” aims to maximize first contact chances and complicate the goalkeeper’s ability to deal with incoming deliveries. Van Dijk’s goal exemplified this, as he was one of five Liverpool players crowded in the area.

Throughout the match against Sunderland, ten of Liverpool’s eleven corner kicks were inswingers. The change in positioning, seen after their initial corner, allowed players to better engage the ball and deter defensive efforts from Sunderland.

Mid-Season Statistics

The growing emphasis on this tactical shift highlights Liverpool’s determination to convert set-pieces into scoring opportunities. With recent improvements, they have transformed a previous weakness into a potential strength, promising both exciting play and greater results as the season progresses.