Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted a “negative set-piece balance” makes retaining the Premier League title “impossible” after falling 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

The Reds cruised to the championship last season, finishing 10 points clear of their rivals, but now find themselves scrapping merely for Champions League qualification.

While injuries and a loss of form have played a part, the Dutchman believes the primary issue lies specifically in dead-ball situations.

“I have always said it is almost impossible to win a game of football with a negative set-piece balance,” said Slot.

Stark statistics expose weakness

The Anfield side have netted just eight times from set plays in the top flight this campaign.

That tally pales in comparison to Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, who have converted 18 times, and a revitalised Manchester United on 15.

Only six sides in the division have scored fewer times from dead-ball scenarios than the defending champions.

To compound the issue, Slot’s men have conceded over a dozen goals from similar situations at the other end.

“The current Premier League is so, so, so much more about set pieces than it was last season,” Slot added.

“Even though I already found it very important, it has now gone through the roof in terms of how important it is.”

Injuries not the sole excuse

Liverpool’s season has undoubtedly been disrupted by fitness issues, including a fractured leg for club-record signing Alexander Isak in December.

Furthermore, talisman Mohamed Salah has suffered a sharp dip in attacking output.

At the back, captain Virgil van Dijk has also looked uncharacteristically vulnerable, producing several error-strewn displays.

However, Slot insists the disparity between European form and domestic struggles confirms his theory regarding set-pieces.

“In the Champions League we are top in set pieces and in the Premier League we are completely bottom,” he explained.

“That reflects in the league table as well.”

The club attempted to address the tactical slide by parting ways with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs in December.

Manchester United have intensified their interest in appointing Michael Carrick this summer after primary target Thomas Tuchel committed his long-term future to the England national team.

The Old Trafford hierarchy have been forced to reassess their options as their shortlist of elite candidates continues to shrink.

Tuchel had been widely considered the overwhelming favourite to take the reins at the Premier League giants.

Connnected industry figures had been so confident in the move that it was treated as a near-certainty in recent weeks.

International ambition over club return

Speculation had suggested the Football Association were considering a future approach to Pep Guardiola for Euro 2028.

That avenue has now been closed, with the former Chelsea boss solidifying his position at St George’s Park.

The German tactician held lingering reservations about the state of the Manchester United project.

Instead, he has found what he considers a perfect role leading the Three Lions.

He now has the opportunity to target two major tournaments carrying immense historical weight.

The 51-year-old is eyeing a second World Cup for the nation and a potential home European Championship.

A healthier balance

The England job, once described as the “impossible job”, has offered Tuchel a lifestyle that club management cannot match.

The role comes without the relentless daily pressure associated with top-flight domestic football.

He is reportedly enjoying a healthier work-life balance, frequently seen cycling around central London.

This contrast became even starker this week following a brutal run of dismissals across the league.

Premier League turbulence

The managerial market has been thrown into further chaos with high-profile departures at rival clubs.

Sean Dyche saw his tenure at Nottingham Forest cut short, ending his boyhood dream at the City Ground.

Meanwhile, Thomas Frank cut a dejected figure as his stint at Tottenham Hotspur came to an end.

Spurs now face a difficult search for a replacement in a market where proven quality is increasingly scarce.

Arsenal are anxiously awaiting an update on Martin Odegaard after the midfielder was seen limping heavily following a damaging 1-1 draw against Brentford.

The Gunners captain was introduced at half-time by Mikel Arteta, replacing the ineffective Eberechi Eze to try and force a breakthrough.

His impact was immediate, helping spark the move that saw Noni Madueke give the visitors the lead just after the hour mark.

However, the night ended in frustration as Keane Lewis-Potter equalised for the Bees before the injury concern emerged post-match.

Fears grow over recurring issues

The Norwegian playmaker reportedly sustained the knock while desperately attempting to prevent Brentford’s equaliser.

Concern mounted significantly as the 27-year-old was spotted struggling through the mixed zone to board the team bus.

This development serves as a significant blow to the north London club, given their skipper has already missed 13 matches this campaign.

It compounds a growing misery for Arteta, who was already without William Saliba due to illness and Kai Havertz through a separate injury.

Pundits spot the decline

Brentford manager Keith Andrews admitted the introduction of the Arsenal number eight initially "changed the dynamic" of the contest.

Yet, Gunners legend Martin Keown noticed a sharp physical decline in the player following the collision.

"When the goal came they were in a really good moment, but then for me Odegaard gets injured, he didn’t look quite the same player after that."

Martin Keown, TNT Sports

Title race implications

The stalemate leaves the Premier League leaders four points clear of Manchester City, though the champions hold a game in hand.

Arteta’s men now face a distinct challenge managing their squad depth ahead of an FA Cup tie with Wigan Athletic on Sunday.

Crucial league fixtures against Wolves, a North London derby against Tottenham, and a clash with Chelsea loom on the horizon.

Arne Slot’s side have reportedly identified the 6ft 3in Englishman as a priority target to bolster their backline options for the upcoming campaign.

Despite facing fierce competition from Stamford Bridge, the Reds are confident of luring the player back to the Premier League with a substantial offer.

Rising star attracts European interest

The defender has revitalised his career in Ligue 1 since departing Elland Road two summers ago to seek regular first-team football.

His commanding displays in France have already prompted failed bids from Wolfsburg, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United during previous windows.

Toulouse are understood to be reluctant to lose a key defensive asset who remains under contract until 2028.

However, the French club may find a bid in the region of £26m difficult to refuse for the highly-rated prospect.

Slot plans defensive shake-up

This potential move comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of current Anfield defenders Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.

With captain Virgil van Dijk set to turn 35 next season, club chiefs are proactively seeking youthful reinforcements to future-proof the squad.

The Merseysiders have already acted decisively in the French market, having secured the services of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes.

Adding the Toulouse stopper alongside Jacquet would represent a significant statement of intent while frustrating the transfer plans of a direct domestic rival.

Arsenal are ready to launch a massive summer move for Barcelona winger Raphinha as they look to cement their status as Europe’s dominant force.

A pursuit of perfection

The Gunners have enjoyed a sensational campaign, currently leading the way in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta’s side have also booked a place in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City and remain fierce contenders in the FA Cup.

Despite this on-pitch success, the north London club are already rigorously planning for sustained dominance in the upcoming transfer window.

The Brazilian international has emerged as the primary target identified to elevate the English giants to the next level.

Financial leverage

Hansi Flick has utilized the versatile attacker across his frontline, with recent performances drawing plaudits labelling him one of the world’s best.

However, the complex economic reality at the Camp Nou could force the La Liga leaders into a difficult decision regarding his future.

The 29-year-old commands significant wages in Catalonia, creating a potential opening for wealthy suitors to test Barcelona’s resolve.

Joan Laporta’s board may be compelled to listen to substantial offers to balance their books, alerting their Premier League admirers.

Renewed interest

Arsenal maintain a long-standing interest in the forward dating back to his explosive tenure at Leeds United.

Reports indicate an "astronomical" proposal is being readied to tempt the player back to English football and convince Barcelona to sell.

Prising the former Rennes man away from Spain remains a significant hurdle for Edu Gaspar and the recruitment team.

Raphinha reportedly has no desire to leave and is even being considered for the club captaincy next season.

Tactical evolution

The Catalan giants view him as irreplaceable within Flick’s high-pressing system, barring an offer that simply cannot be refused.

While naturally a right-winger, the South American has thrived on the left flank recently to accommodate Lamine Yamal.

This versatility would allow him to slot immediately into Arsenal’s left side, potentially upgrading on Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard.

Securing such a high-profile signature would serve as a major statement of intent to world football regarding Arsenal’s financial power.

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has warned England they face the "toughest" possible start to their World Cup campaign when the two sides meet in Dallas on 17 June.

The Three Lions will begin their Group L journey against familiar foes who have frequently upset the odds on the global stage.

Currently ranked 11th in the world, the 2018 finalists possess enough pedigree to make new England boss Thomas Tuchel wary of his first major tournament test.

Dalic believes the fixture list has dealt a difficult hand to both nations by pitting the group heavyweights against one another immediately.

"From the first pot we got one of the toughest national teams, England," the 59-year-old manager said.

"It’s a bit unfortunate that we’re playing them in the opening match, which is the most important one because it sets the tone at the start."

"We’ll have to be ready for that match."

A history of heartbreak

England supporters will view the fixture with a mixture of optimism and trepidation given the nations’ shared history.

Gareth Southgate’s side claimed victory in their Euro 2020 opener at Wembley thanks to a Raheem Sterling winner.

However, the Vatreni were responsible for ending England’s World Cup dreams in the 2018 semi-finals in Moscow.

Longer memories will also recall the 3-2 defeat at Wembley in 2007 which cost Steve McClaren his job and denied England a place at Euro 2008.

Despite England being seeded to progress deep into the tournament, their opponents remain one of international football’s most resilient outfits.

With a population of less than four million, the Balkan nation continues to punch well above its weight.

The last dance for a legend

The match in Dallas will likely feature Luka Modric, one of the game’s all-time greats, who is still orchestrating play at the age of 40.

The Real Madrid icon’s career has mirrored his country’s rise, sharing both the highs of a World Cup final and the lows of early exits.

He is joined by Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic, though fitness concerns have plagued the former Chelsea man recently.

While the old guard remains influential, Dalic is keen to highlight the emergence of a new era.

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, who shone in Qatar four years ago, represents the future of the national side.

"We have players coming through, great talent and new players ready to step up and be the next generation," Dalic added.

"We have great experience, younger players but still a determination to win and our target is to go past the group stage and into the knock-out."

"We believe we can do it. It will not be easy and we will never underestimate our opponents."

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and captain Marc Guehi were involved in a heated exchange at half-time during their stunning FA Cup exit to non-league Macclesfield Town.

The revelation comes from Macclesfield assistant manager Francis Jeffers, who witnessed the incident during the interval at the Leasing.com Stadium.

Jeffers claims the tension between the Eagles’ boss and his skipper boiled over as the Premier League side struggled against their seventh-tier opponents.

Dressing room unrest exposed

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Everton striker provided an insider’s view of the chaos engulfing the visitors.

The Silkmen’s coaching staff were in close proximity to the away dressing room when the confrontation allegedly took place.

“There was a big disagreement between the manager and the captain at half-time. It was loud and it was clear there was frustration there.”

Francis Jeffers, Macclesfield assistant manager

The south London club were trailing at the break, eventually succumbing to a humiliating 2-1 defeat against the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition.

Pressure mounts on Glasner

This reported bust-up adds another layer of scrutiny to Glasner’s tenure at Selhurst Park.

The Austrian tactician has been under increasing pressure following a difficult Premier League campaign.

Guehi, usually a figure of composure for both club and country, appeared visibly frustrated as the top-flight side failed to break down the Northern Premier League leaders.

Jeffers suggested the discord was symptomatic of a team lacking cohesion on a historic night for the Cheshire club.

A night to forget

The defeat marked one of the most significant upsets in the long history of the FA Cup.

While Macclesfield celebrated a famous victory, the inquest into Palace’s performance began immediately in the tunnel.

Neither the club nor the England defender has officially commented on the specific details of the half-time row.

Marcus Rashford has been ruled out of Barcelona’s crucial Copa del Rey semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid, prompting a wave of support that underlines his growing status in Catalonia.

Fresh injury blow

The Manchester United loanee was forced to watch from the sidelines on Thursday evening.

He sustained a knock during the 3-0 La Liga victory over Mallorca last weekend.

It serves as a significant disappointment for the England international, who had been enjoying a rich vein of form.

The 28-year-old has netted three times and registered one assist in his last six outings across all competitions.

Barcelona confirmed the absence via social media, triggering an immediate response from the fanbase.

Despite the frustration of losing a key attacker, the Camp Nou faithful rallied around the forward.

‘One of their own’

Reaction to the news highlights how quickly the versatile forward has settled into life in Spain.

One supporter posted on X: “Big miss. He was great the last game. Played through pain probably. Now missing Pedri, Raphinha and Rashford for the away leg.”

Another added: “That’s unlucky timing. He was just settling in.”

“Speedy recovery Marcus Rashford. Come back stronger,” wrote a third fan.

This level of backing suggests the loanee is already being treated as a permanent fixture by the supporters.

Transfer decision looms

Rashford has adapted smoothly to the demands of La Liga, registering 10 goals in 34 matches this season.

He is scheduled to return to Old Trafford when his season-long loan concludes in the summer.

However, the Spanish giants hold an option to purchase the attacker outright.

The warmth from the stands could play a pivotal role in shaping a permanent move during the upcoming transfer window.

It marks a stark contrast to the end of his time in Manchester.

International resurgence

This is not the first time the Wythenshawe-born star has flourished away from his parent club.

A successful loan spell at Aston Villa last season reignited his career.

That impact caught the eye of England head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Tuchel handed the forward eight caps in 2025, a dramatic increase from a single appearance the previous year.

While Ruben Amorim’s exit from United has theoretically reopened the door for a return to Manchester, Rashford’s future appears increasingly tied to the continent.