Liverpool head coach Arne Slot admits his side are undermining their own Premier League ambitions because of a worrying lack of effectiveness at set-pieces.

The reigning champions enter the busy Christmas and New Year period level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea but trailing on goal difference, despite strong performances in open play.

Liverpool have scored only three goals from set-pieces in the league this season while conceding 11, a record that has left Slot openly frustrated.

“I know how important set-pieces are — their impact only grows — and that’s why we are so annoyed with our current record,” Slot said. “It’s a big frustration because at this stage last season we hadn’t conceded a single set-piece goal.

“With our set-piece balance this season, it’s impossible to finish top four or top five, let alone challenge for the title.”

The Dutchman pointed out that Liverpool are lagging behind their rivals in this area, despite remaining competitive in the table.

“We are the only team near the top with a negative set-piece balance,” he added. “We are not just negative, we’re minus-eight and still level on points with fourth place.

“When you compare that to Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester United — who all have strong positive numbers — it shows how remarkable it is that we have as many points as we do.

“We all know the reason: in chances created from open play, we are the best team in the league.”

Injuries are also testing Slot’s squad depth. Several key players remain unavailable, while others face late fitness tests ahead of Saturday’s match against bottom club Wolves.

Cody Gakpo and Conor Bradley are rated as “50-50” to feature, while Mohamed Salah is away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Joe Gomez is sidelined with a hamstring injury, Wataru Endo is nursing an ankle problem, and Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended.

“It’s time for the players we do have available to step up, as they have so many times before,” Slot said. “They need to roll their sleeves up and give everything they’ve got.”