Liverpool's attacking struggles were laid bare in their recent defeat to Arsenal, a match that set an unwanted club record. The 1-0 home loss on November 1 was the first time in 442 Premier League games at Anfield that Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target, a run dating back to 2003.
Despite taking 17 shots and generating 1.05 expected goals in that game, the quality of those chances was poor. This pattern extends across the season, with Liverpool ranking ninth for goals scored and 11th for expected goals despite having the fifth-highest total of shots in the division. Their average of 0.09 expected goals per shot is among the lowest in the league.
Individual contributions and tactical approach
A significant part of the issue is shot location. Thirty-nine per cent of Liverpool's attempts come from outside the box, the fourth-highest rate in the Premier League. Conversely, only eight per cent originate from inside the six-yard box, the sixth-lowest proportion. Dominik Szoboszlai exemplifies this trend, with 93 per cent of his 14 shots this season taken from outside the area. His only effort from inside the box was a converted penalty against Newcastle.
Szoboszlai referenced the tactical challenge, saying, "Iraola likely feels he has players capable of similar at Liverpool, Szoboszlai being a prime example." The team's build-up play is also affected, spending 27 per cent of the season facing low defensive blocks, the highest figure in the top flight. This forces a reliance on speculative efforts from distance.
Big chance creation struggles
The underlying numbers reveal a critical shortage of high-quality opportunities. Liverpool have created just seven big chances in nine games, placing them second bottom in the Premier League for that metric. Playmaker Florian Wirtz, who ranks second in the league for total chances created with 22, has yet to create a single Opta-defined big chance this campaign.
The consequence is a team in fifth place with 15 points from nine matches, already nine points behind leaders Arsenal. While top scorer Alexander Isak has netted six times in eight appearances, the overall attacking output is inconsistent. Recent form shows three wins, a draw, and a loss from the last five outings.
Attention now turns to the next fixture, an away trip to face 18th-placed Crystal Palace on November 8. Improving the precision and penetration of their attack will be essential for Liverpool to close the gap at the top. The full fixtures list shows a busy period ahead, making an immediate response vital.
First reported at Sky Sports Football
