Watford knew Liverpool would struggle to defend set-pieces at Vicarage Road on Saturday, defender Miguel Britos told the Hertfordshire Mercury.
Our defending was absolutely appalling against the Hornets, seeing us concede three goals – two of which were directly from corners.
First up, Stefano Okaka scored a free header from inside the six-yard box, before sloppy work enabled Britos an injury time equaliser, following an equally silly goal conceded to Doucoure from open play.
Britos said that Watford purposely targeted our famous inability to deal with crossed deliveries and suggested our problems are because we defend zonally.
“Last season they conceded goals from set-pieces and maybe it’s their weak point. We worked very well today at set-pieces and scored twice, so it’s good for us,” he said.
“[I’m] not surprised because it’s not easy sometimes to work well, especially with zonal marking. So I think maybe they have to improve that.”
Watford boss Marco Silva jumped on the bandwagon too – criticising our set-up at the back.
“In football today every set-piece makes the difference. Today the game was very balanced and in some moments the game was decided, in set-pieces as well,” Silva said.
“When you analyse our opponents, we analyse the strengths and the weaknesses as well. The moments we can achieve things. We know that even last season we scored a goal from set-pieces against Liverpool.”
It’s pretty unbelievable to think that since Jurgen Klopp took charge, our defending at set-pieces hasn’t improved.
The boss has suggested that a new centre-back won’t necessarily make a difference, but we disagree. A real leader with unbelievable physical traits, like for example, Virgil van Dijk, could make all the difference and improve those around him.
Not that we’re holding out much hope…