Andoni Iraola opens up on Liverpool set-piece defending improvement ahead of ultimate test

Iraola says Liverpool have conceded just one set-piece goal this season but face their biggest defensive test yet against Arsenal, who scored 25 set-piece goals last term.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has acknowledged that set-piece defending remains a work in progress ahead of Sunday's visit from Premier League champions Arsenal. Despite conceding only one goal from dead-ball situations so far this season—a Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham—Iraola is acutely aware of the threat posed by Mikel Arteta's side, who scored 25 set-piece goals last season, accounting for 35% of their league total.

Arsola credits assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, along with the analytics team, for Liverpool's improved set-piece organisation. He highlighted the defensive contributions of centre-back Jeremy Jacquet alongside Virgil van Dijk, and praised Ronald Araujo's use of his centre-half instincts at right-back, which adds height and physicality to the backline. Aside from the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, Liverpool have conceded just five goals in seven league games.

The manager believes a clean sheet against Arsenal would represent a significant achievement and could thrust Liverpool into early title-race discussions, though he cautioned against complacency given the season's early stage.