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By Matt Ladson, ThisIsAnfield.com
And while Liverpool fans may not want to admit it, the iconic Manchester United manager was certainly right about the value of a solid defence.
In the three seasons when Liverpool finished in the top two under Jürgen Klopp (2018/19, 2019/20 and 2021/22), it’s no surprise that these were the three seasons they conceded the least goals in the German’s tenure.
The lowest finish (fifth in 2022/23) was the season with the most goals conceded. Points totals typically correlate with goals conceded. Arguably, it’s a better predictor of success than goals scored.
And while Liverpool’s early start to the new Premier League season must be caveated by the quality of opposition, something Arne Slot himself has been keen to point out on more than one occasion while media lauded his ‘best start’ record as Liverpool boss, the early signs are very promising.
After seven games, Slot’s side sit top of the table with six wins. They also have:
- Most clean sheets (5)
- Fewest goals conceded per match (0.3)
- Third-highest average possession (60.4%)
- Most big chances created (28)
- Lowest xG conceded (5.2)
These are very promising signs at both ends of the team, but the xG conceded number (lower than Man City (7.8, fifth best) and Arsenal (7.4, third best)) will be particularly encouraging for Slot – and Liverpool supporters.
It’s these defensive numbers that can give the belief that early success can be maintained, even when tougher challenges in terms of opponents arrive.
“We still have a lot to prove if we’re going to come across the top sides of the table,” assessed the Dutchman, whose side play Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa in their next four league games.
Last season, Liverpool had 147 shots on target against them, below that of Man City (109) and Arsenal (just 83).
The Reds’ goalkeepers – predominantly Alisson Becker – made significantly more saves (108) than their City (76) and Arsenal (54) counterparts.
Liverpool were too open, often reliant on the brilliance of their ‘keeper to bail them out. The opening seven games of this season has seen that reliance on the goalkeeper reduce slightly, seemingly at least in part due to Slot’s less open style of play and a fewer transitions against his side.
So far, Liverpool have conceded 24 shots on target in their opening seven games (Man City lead the league in that respect, with 22; Arsenal have conceded 31 – the same as Crystal Palace).
Such numbers are in line with what Slot’s side produced in the Dutch league, with Feyenoord facing the fewest shots from open play in the Eredivisie last season.
“To control the game, to not concede constant counter-attacks, that will hopefully be our style,” declared Slot in pre-season, and that’s shown through in these seven games so far.
The simple hypothesis ahead of Slot’s arrival was that greater control, less risk, and fewer counter-attacks conceded would result in such defensive numbers, and these early days are proving that hypothesis correct.
And while tougher tests await, this is also early days for Slot and he will be confident that he will further improve these defensive and control numbers through further coaching and time spent working with his new squad.
All signs point to a solid defensive future under the Dutch coach, which in turn points to success.
(Images from IMAGO)
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