Liverpool Defending the Danger Zone
Liverpool dropped two points to Burnley thanks to a goal hit from wide in the box. How are they performing defensively in their danger zone?
We looked into Liverpool’s record for attacking in the danger zone - the central area of the penalty area within the width of the six-yard box - earlier this week. Read the analysis here. It’s time to perform a health check on the defence.
Liverpool have conceded some bad goals this season. Like, really bad. Not just in the sense of how they came about, which has often been sickening enough, but also in terms of the timing.
The Reds have let in four stoppage time goals in the Premier League, just one fewer than in the previous four completed seasons combined. Had they occurred with Liverpool 3-0 up, they would not have warranted a second thought. Instead, they have cost the club six points. Arne Slot’s men would be one point off a second place Manchester City side that is stumbling badly without those goals.
Harrison Reed’s rocket was the exception in the quartet as it was struck from distance at an angle. The other three were all hit at very close range in the central area of the penalty box. Liverpool were unable to snuff out the danger they faced in their danger zone when it mattered most.
The alarm was ignored, the monster got them and they paid a severe price.
Two of the first three were also set piece goals, which contributed to Aaron Briggs leaving the club. The fourth is the only set play goal Liverpool have conceded in the six games since his departure. While there is obviously a crossover, if you count up the goals conceded by the Reds in the league in 2025/26, shots in the danger zone outnumber those from set pieces.
As they are more detrimental than what many fans would pinpoint as Liverpool’s main defensive shortcoming, we’d better analyse the data. Has the tactical switch to more cautious play following the run of heavy defeats improved their defensive danger zone numbers?
