Expert reveals the frightening numbers behind Liverpool’s defensive struggles | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Defensive Woes: A Deep Dive into Arne Slot’s Challenges

Arne Slot’s first season at Liverpool, which saw the club lift the Premier League title, felt like a statement of intent. However, the defence has been far from the dominant force it once was, and the title defence has quickly spiralled into a disaster. After losing five of their last six Premier League games, Liverpool now find themselves eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal, raising concerns about the team’s structure and resilience.

Defensive Numbers Don’t Lie

Liverpool’s alarming defensive struggles have become impossible to ignore. Dave Davis, speaking on Anfield Index, broke down the club’s recent performances, stating that “Liverpool have conceded 36 goals in their last 22 games, which averages at 1.6 per game.” This is not a statistic to be proud of, especially when considering the intensity with which Liverpool have prided themselves on their aggressive, high-pressing style.

The data doesn’t get better either. Davis further highlighted that “that’s the second-worst rate amongst clubs in Europe’s top five leagues. Only Wolves are conceding at a higher rate.” The comparison with Wolves – a team struggling to stay clear of relegation – paints a grim picture for Liverpool. For a club that has dominated the Premier League in recent years, such numbers are a sign of deep-rooted issues.

The Breakdown of Liverpool’s Defensive Issues

Michael Reid, a data analyst, offered a detailed breakdown of the types of goals Liverpool have been conceding this season. He mentioned, “I broke it down into counter-attacks, set-pieces, errors and long-range shots.” It’s clear that these weaknesses have compounded and are contributing to Liverpool’s falling standards in defence.

The most concerning issue, according to Reid, has been set-pieces. Despite Arne Slot’s assertion that “Liverpool have been unlucky,” Reid added, “he is right. Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick against Arsenal is the only set-piece goal Liverpool have scored in the Premier League this season.” More worrying is the statistic that “seven of the 17 goals we’ve conceded in the Premier League have been from set-pieces.”

Slot’s attempts to address the issue include the hiring of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs, but the impact has yet to show. As Reid pointed out, “Three of them have been corners, which is as many as Liverpool conceded in the entirety of last season.” Throw-ins have also emerged as a major problem, with three goals coming from this source alone, a “massive trend in the Premier League at the moment.” This was not a problem in previous seasons, making it all the more puzzling why these trends are now so prevalent.

Photo: IMAGO

A Shorter Team and the Set-Piece Issue

It wasn’t just tactical changes that have affected Liverpool’s defensive structure. Reid noted that “we’re making the team a lot shorter,” citing the signings of players like Wirtz, Frimpong, and Kerkez as part of this shift. The theory is that these signings have inadvertently made the team more vulnerable at set-pieces, as a smaller squad is more easily exposed by high balls and defensive set-pieces.

Liverpool’s record in defending set-pieces is worrying. Reid noted, “Seven set-piece goals conceded in 11 games, when it took 29 games to reach that number last season,” showcasing just how far the team has fallen. This statistic signals a shift in the fundamental areas that have defined Liverpool’s defensive solidity in the past.

What Needs to Change?

Clearly, Liverpool’s defence needs a revamp. With Arne Slot at the helm, his previous tactical success with both Feyenoord and Liverpool should be enough to reassure fans, but there’s little question that the defence needs urgent attention. The introduction of a set-piece coach is a step in the right direction, but it’s going to take time for these changes to be felt on the pitch.

In the meantime, the alarming numbers will continue to pile up unless Liverpool can remedy these vulnerabilities and restore their reputation as one of Europe’s most formidable defensive units. It’s a challenge Slot has no choice but to confront if Liverpool are to reclaim their rightful place at the top of the Premier League.