Southampton vs Liverpool: A tactical and statistical analysis of Saints’ win
By Marc Walker
No doubt about it, this set-piece has been worked on by the Saints players and staff.
— Saints Marching (@SaintsMarching_) January 4, 2021
Excellent parts played by Ings and Ward-Prowse, but watch how Bednarek’s run at the back post causes Liverpool to drop and play Ings onside. Lovely stuff #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/jZUO3C083x
Saints grab the lead with excellent set-piece
As Danny Ings hooked a left-footed volley over Alisson’s head and into the far corner of Liverpool’s goal early on, it appeared to be just another brilliant piece of finishing from the striker from another James Ward-Prowse set-piece assist.
However, look at the goal more closely and there are many parts to the build-up that suggest this was a set play created on the Staplewood training pitches.
Jan Bednarek’s run at the back post creates a decoy and causes some Liverpool defenders to break their defensive line, and Stuart Armstrong pushes Jordan Henderson towards goal to ensure Danny Ings is played onside.
The Saints players and staff have excelled with their set-pieces this season, but it obviously helps when Ward-Prowse and Ings execute to perfection too.