Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk let one of the Reds’ weaknesses slip after their win over Newcastle United.
In the dying embers, Liverpool beat the ten men of Newcastle at St James’ Park, winning 3-2 after the Magpies clawed two goals back.
Next up for Arne Slot’s side comes Arsenal, who will be desperate to secure an overdue win in the Premier League at Anfield.
It will be a lively affair on Merseyside when two challengers for the Premier League title go head to head, but after seeing what unfolded at St James’ Park, Mikel Arteta’s squad will fancy their chances.
Arsenal are the set-piece kings, but Liverpool certainly aren’t when it comes to defending them.
Against Newcastle, the Reds conceded two goals from set play scenarios, failing to mark correctly and being outmuscled by the hosts in the air.
After the game, captain Virgil van Dijk told Sky Sports about how the ‘disappointing part’ of the contest was how poor Liverpool were at defending the set plays.
“What happened tonight was expected, and, for us, the disappointing part was that we conceded two set pieces,” the Dutchman said.
“That shouldn’t happen, but overall, great three points, move on and focus on the next one.”
Just like Slot’s post-match assessment, Van Dijk was obsessed with mentioning how many dead-ball scenarios Newcastle pushed for, further exposing where Liverpool feel weak.
“Free-kick, corner kicks, the pressure gets on,” Van Dijk said.
“They had the quality. If you look at the traditional top six here last season, there were only a couple that beat them. It’s always a difficult place to come.”
Liverpool felt visibly uncomfortable when defending set pieces, something that they’ll be braced to do when Arsenal visit Anfield.
On the back of the Newcastle game, if there’s one team that Liverpool won’t want to face, it’s Arsenal.
Arsenal are unstoppable from set-pieces, already scoring three corners this term, something Liverpool will be wary of.
Slot’s side wanted to do all they could to avoid getting into those situations, as Newcastle’s physicality really tested the defence.
Arsenal only present a more difficult task for the Champions, a situation Nicolas Jover might be licking his lips about.
