New set-piece kings Liverpool can still achieve 'something beautiful'

Arne Slot's Liverpool boosted their Champions League qualification hopes with a commanding 5-2 victory over West Ham at Anfield on Saturday, capitalizing on three set-piece goals in the first half to reignite their season after months of turbulence. The victory, reminiscent of their title-clinching performance against Tottenham in April 2025, has propelled Liverpool to fifth place in the Premier League, just three points off third position. After largely dominating the match without being wholly convincing against a relegation-battling West Ham, Liverpool's clinical efficiency has transformed their season trajectory, with manager Slot acknowledging the nervous atmosphere in the stadium despite the emphatic scoreline. The Reds' recent form shows four wins in five Premier League matches, matching their previous thirteen matches' total wins, indicating a significant upturn in fortunes after a difficult start to the season plagued by poor results, a falling-out with Mohamed Salah, and injuries to key players. The team's newfound set-piece prowess has been particularly noteworthy, with seven of their last nine Premier League goals coming from corners, direct free-kicks, or throw-ins, a dramatic improvement from their first 38 goals. Slot attributed this improvement to things 'going back to normal' after the departure of former set-piece coach Aaron Briggs, with the existing coaching staff absorbing those responsibilities and making subtle adjustments that have yielded positive results. As Liverpool heads into March with renewed confidence, they remain in contention for the FA Cup and Champions League while strengthening their position for a top-five finish, which would ensure Champions League qualification for next season. With record revenues exceeding £700m confirmed for the last accounting year, the importance of European football cannot be underestimated for the financial health of the club. Players like Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo have expressed their determination to qualify for the Champions League, with the latter suggesting these recent games could be 'the start of something beautiful' for the team. With crucial fixtures against Wolves in both league and FA Cup, followed by a Champions League trip to Galatasaray, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining how Liverpool's ultimately memorable season will be remembered.