Liverpool didn’t have to defend a set-piece against Aston Villa on Saturday, which Arne Slot thinks may have helped them win.

The game was held at Anfield with Liverpool triumphing 2-0 after a fairly dominant display.

Set-pieces and long-balls have been the Reds’ Achilles heel this term, with Slot’s men failing to deal with either of them all that well.

Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis.

Despite their complaints about facing that sort of opponent, Unai Emery chose to line his men up as usual and keep the ball on the floor and pass in triangles.

Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images

This massively benefited Liverpool as they rarely conceded any set-pieces, and it allowed the best version of their team to come through, with Slot even admitting that this could be why they won.

Liverpool’s defence has been one of their main problem areas this season.

Ibrahima Konate has been in terrible form, and more often than not, Milos Kerkez has been outperformed by Andy Robertson.

Saturday’s game saw Liverpool return to a similar starting XI to the one that helped them win the Premier League title last season, and, unsurprisingly, they put in one of their best performances...