The Reds' Woes: Can Liverpool Find Their Scoring Touch Again?
The Anfield faithful have been left scratching their heads as Liverpool's once-prolific attack seems to have lost its edge. After a humiliating 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in November, former player Steven Gerrard described the team's struggles as a continuous bleeding.
But Liverpool has since stemmed the bleeding, going 10 games unbeaten, including a recent goalless draw against league leaders Arsenal. In this match, Liverpool dominated possession with 66% in the second half, but without a recognized striker, their attacks lacked a focal point.
And this is where it gets interesting: despite the absence of key players, Liverpool's performance against Arsenal was commendable. The midfield duo of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch shone, and Milos Kerkez had one of his best games, neutralizing the threat of Bukayo Saka.
However, the lack of cutting edge in front of goal is a growing concern. Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target, a first since March 2010 against Wigan Athletic. This is a stark contrast to their previous seasons, where they averaged 2.3 goals per game under Jurgen Klopp.
Manager Arne Slot acknowledges their struggles against defensive teams, stating, "We're a very good team against certain playing styles, but we struggle against others." This was evident in their inability to break down Arsenal's low block.
The statistics paint a worrying picture. Liverpool's expected goals per game have dropped significantly, from 2.4 to 1.5 this season. Their shots and shots on target have also decreased season by season.
But here's where it gets controversial: Liverpool's summer spending spree of over £400m was supposed to make them title contenders. Yet, they find themselves out of the title race, with Slot aiming for a top-four finish. The question remains: can Liverpool rediscover their scoring touch and make this season a success?
Liverpool's players remain optimistic. Dominik Szoboszlai believes they can compete with the best, saying, "We showed again why we became champions last season." But with key players missing and a lack of clinical finishing, the road ahead looks challenging.
So, what's your take? Are Liverpool's struggles a temporary blip, or is there a deeper issue? Can they turn their season around and challenge for silverware? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
