Liverpool boss Arne Slot said Monday that the growing reliance on set-pieces in the Premier League has sucked some of the joy out of soccer, but accepts it is the new reality.

Last season's champion struggled with dead-ball situations both defensively and in attacking areas earlier in the campaign.

But, seven of its past nine Premier League goals have come from set-pieces, including three from corners in Saturday's 5-2 win against West Ham at Anfield.

Premier League leader Arsenal is being referred to as "Set-Piece FC", and on Sunday scored its 16th goal from a corner this season — equalling the league record.

"First of all, you have to accept it. I think it's mainly here in the Premier League," Slot said on Monday.

"If I watch other leagues, I don't think there's so much emphasis on set-pieces."

The Liverpool manager said he felt goalkeepers in the Premier League were given less protection by match officials than those in other leagues, such as the Dutch top division.

"Here you can almost hit a goalkeeper in his face and the referee still says just go on," said the Dutchman. "Do I like it? My football heart doesn't like it."

Slot said he used to look forward to watching the great Barcelona side of Pep Guardiola, which was renowned for its silky, possession-based soccer.

"Now, most of the games I see in the Premier League are not, for me, a joy to watch," he said.

"But it's always interesting because it's so competitive, and that is what makes this league great, because there's so much competitiveness, everyone can beat everyone."

Slot, whose team travels to face bottom side Wolves on Tuesday, said the set-piece trend was here to stay.

"Maybe in five or 10 years' time things will change again, but I wouldn't be surprised if you go to an under-16 game somewhere ... I wouldn't be surprised if you see teams of 16-year-olds completely being focused on set-pieces," he said.

"That's the new reality, and I have my opinion about it, but it doesn't change."

Fifth-placed Liverpool, which has won seven of its past nine games in all competitions, is in a strong position to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz is expected to miss the Wolves match and Friday's FA Cup game against the same opponent, both taking place at Molineux, due to a back issue.

The German missed Liverpool's wins against Nottingham Forest and West Ham.

AFP