LONDON: Liverpool parted ways with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs on Tuesday, with no team in Europe’s top five leagues having conceded more set-piece goals this season, excluding penalties, than Arne Slot’s team.
Liverpool conceded their 12th goal from a set-piece during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, the joint-most in the Premier League alongside Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.
The champions rarely threaten from set-pieces at the other end either, scoring three goals from dead-ball situations, excluding penalties, this season, nine fewer than leaders Arsenal. Their non-penalty set-piece difference of minus-nine is the worst in the league.
It is understood Briggs, a former Manchester City analyst who became an exclusive set-piece coach in September, and Liverpool reached an agreement over his departure from Anfield.
“Having joined the club in July 2024 - initially in the role of individual development coach -- Briggs contributed to our Premier League title success last season as a member of Arne Slot’s backroom staff,” said a Liverpool statement. “He leaves with the appreciation and best wishes of everyone at the club.”
Only 18th-placed West Ham United (10) have conceded more than Liverpool’s seven goals from corners in this season’s Premier League.
The Reds’ three goals conceded from throw-ins is the joint-most in the league alongside Newcastle United.
According to football statisticians Opta, Liverpool are averaging 2.4 goals scored per 100 set-pieces.
Only Brentford are averaging fewer in the top flight, while Liverpool are averaging 8.2 goals per 100 when it comes to conceding — only Forest, in 17th, average more.
Liverpool, however, are currently fourth in the table — 10 points behind leaders Arsenal — ahead of their New Year’s Day clash at home to strugglers Leeds United.
Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2025