Liverpool's frustrating season at Anfield continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea, with manager Arne Slot left to rue another costly set-piece concession. The Reds have now dropped nine points from winning positions at home this season—their worst such record at Anfield since 2015-16, when they lost 14 points from leading positions.

"We started off really well and got a big chance from a set-piece which was close to making it 2-0," Slot told TNT Sports. "Unfortunately, like last week, we conceded a set piece. It was such a sloppy goal."

The numbers paint a worrying picture for Liverpool's defensive organization. Excluding penalties, only Bournemouth (19) have conceded more set-piece goals than Liverpool (18) in the Premier League this season. That vulnerability proved costly again as Chelsea capitalized from a dead-ball situation to level the scores.

Slot acknowledged the team's drop-off in the second half: "The second half I saw a completely different intensity. We went close a few times. Like so many times this season, we hit the post and bar. We were not able to control their players. They played with a lot of midfielders today."

The home fans made their feelings known at full-time, with boos echoing around the stadium. Slot, however, didn't take it personally. "That's probably got something to do with us not winning. It completely makes sense people are disappointed if Liverpool don't win."

One moment that drew particular ire from the crowd was the substitution of Rio Ngumoha, a decision that sparked visible frustration in the stands. Slot explained the reasoning behind the move: "I don't think it was some of them—there were a lot that didn't agree with the change, which is completely understandable. He was having problems with his muscles and when I asked him, he said he was not sure he could continue. I knew this would be the reaction because he is such a good player. So often in football, people don't know everything. I am the manager and I need to make decisions. Knowing why makes more sense for people."

For Liverpool, the draw feels like another missed opportunity in a season where fine margins and defensive lapses continue to cost them. As the race for top-four spots heats up, tightening up at the back—especially from set pieces—will be crucial for Slot's side moving forward.