Arne Slot has launched an astonishing rant at the Premier League, insisting the obsession with set pieces is sucking the joy out of the game .
This from a man whose Liverpool side just became only the SECOND team in Premier League history to score THREE goals from first half corners . The Reds battered West Ham 5-2 on Saturday, with three of them coming from dead ball situations .
But Slot isn’t celebrating. He’s mourning.
THE SLOT VERDICT
“First of all you have to accept it,” the Dutchman shrugged. “I think it is mainly here in the Premier League. If I watch other leagues, I don’t think there is so much emphasis on set pieces.”
Then came the bit that’ll raise eyebrows.
“Do I like it? My football heart doesn’t like it. Now most of the games I see in the Premier League are not, for me, a joy to watch.”
A joy to watch. Liverpool just won 5-2. They’re flying. And their manager is complaining about the football.
THE IRONY
Let’s be real, set pieces have been Arsenal’s superpower for two seasons now. Mikel Arteta’s side have built title challenges on them. And Liverpool have spent years being a bit meh from corners.
Now they’ve finally caught up. Now they’re lethal from dead balls. And Slot wants to have a moan about it.
His football heart might not like it. But his league position certainly does.
THE FARKE SAGA
Meanwhile, Daniel Farke is weighing up whether to appeal his first ever red card after Leeds’ 1-0 defeat to Manchester City .
The German stormed onto the Elland Road pitch at full time to confront ref Peter Bankes, furious at a lack of added time and several decisions going against his side .
Here’s the twist, Farke claims the card was shown BEFORE he’d even said a word .
“I was told the Premier League, or the referees, will get in touch when they have the full report of the incident,” he said. “It should be there pretty soon, then I have the chance to respond.”
The Leeds boss has never been sent off in 16 years of management . This one clearly stung.
TIMBER’S CONFESSION
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has admitted his side have a problem , they’re getting the jitters when games get tight .
The Gunners beat Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday despite playing the final 20 minutes against ten men . But it was nervy. Too nervy.
“You feel it, especially at the end,” Timber confessed. “We stopped playing, which was unnecessary, especially when we had a man up.”
“It’s something we need to work on, and talk about as well. It has happened a couple of times this season already.”
That’s not what you want to hear with a title race this tight.
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Liverpool travel to rock bottom Wolves looking to pull level with fourth placed Aston Villa . Burnley go to Everton after THAT controversial Brentford loss. Leeds host Sunderland in a massive game at Elland Road.
And somewhere, Arne Slot will be watching, probably wishing everyone would just stop scoring from corners.
