Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot celebrates on the pitch after the match against West Ham United at Anfield in Liverpool. -AFP PICLIVERPOOL: Liverpool boss Arne Slot said his side have played better this season and lost, but underlined the impact of set pieces after Saturday's 5-2 win over West Ham. Liverpool sacked set piece coach Aaron Briggs at the end of last year, but Slot played down the difference that change had made. Victory lifted Liverpool to fifth in the table and back in pole position for a return to the Champions League next season. A place in the top five is almost certain to secure Champions League football next season thanks to the strong results of English sides in European competition this season.--AFP

Source: New Strait Times February 28, 2026 23:47 UTC