Liverpool’s Set-Piece Revolution: Why Slot’s ‘New Kings’ Can Still Secure Champions League Football

For the first time since their clinical title-clinching 5-1 win over Tottenham in April 2025, Liverpool hit five goals in a Premier League game on Saturday, February 28, 2026. While the sun shone over Anfield, it was the “dead-ball” efficiency of Arne Slot’s side that truly illuminated the 5-2 victory over West Ham United.+1

After a turbulent winter, the Reds head into March sitting 5th in the Premier League, level on points with Manchester United and trailing third-placed Aston Villa by just three points.

Historic First-Half Dominance

Liverpool made Premier League history on Saturday, becoming only the second team ever to score three goals from corners in the first half (matching Manchester United’s 2016 record).

• Hugo Ekitiké opened the scoring in the 5th minute, latching onto a second-phase delivery for his 16th goal of the season.
• Virgil van Dijk doubled the lead with a trademark towering header from a Dominik Szoboszlai corner.
• Alexis Mac Allister added a third before the break with a sublime deflected volley.

Despite a brief West Ham fightback through Tomas Soucek and Taty Castellanos, late strikes from Cody Gakpo and an Axel Disasi own goal ensured Liverpool’s biggest league win of the 2025/26 campaign.

Arne Slot’s Set-Piece Plea Answered

Earlier this season, Arne Slot warned that Liverpool had “no chance” of making the top four if they didn’t improve from set-pieces. In 2025, the Reds were among the league’s worst for set-piece balance; in 2026, they are officially the best.

“I could feel the nervousness inside the stadium,” Slot admitted after the game. “I don’t think 3-0 at half-time was a fair reflection of open play, but set-pieces make a massive difference. We have struggled for a long time to score from them—now, things look much nicer.”

The March Outlook: A Race for Third

With Florian Wirtz expected to return from a minor back injury for the midweek clash against Wolves, Liverpool are finally showing the depth required to compete on multiple fronts.