Really enjoyed this — especially the focus on actual attacking pairings rather than just individual output.
One thing I noticed looking at the FBref per-90s (because its a slow day) is that while Salah’s shot volume is down, his chance creation numbers are still relatively good compared to the rest of the squad, which made me wonder how much his benching is about form versus Slot prioritising control and circulation.
Likewise, Isak’s output hasn’t been huge, but his central touches and shot locations still feel like progress but he played so little with no where near the rhythm or fitness (and luck) you need.
With the Wirtz–Ekitike combo, what would you want to see next to really believe in it? Is it how it performs against a low block team like Wolves on Saturday?
Away from attacker combinations, do you think Liverpool are still a little short of goals from set pieces? It feels like one area where a bit more chaos could offset the loss of a dominant open-play outlet. Oh crap, I sound like Mikel Arteta!
Have a good break, Beez. Thanks for all the analysis and articles.
Merry Christmas, Andrew, and thanks for keeping spirits up while hope was fading.
Next year is our year!😂
YNWA
I try my best! Same to you, have a good one!
Really enjoyed this — especially the focus on actual attacking pairings rather than just individual output.
One thing I noticed looking at the FBref per-90s (because its a slow day) is that while Salah’s shot volume is down, his chance creation numbers are still relatively good compared to the rest of the squad, which made me wonder how much his benching is about form versus Slot prioritising control and circulation.
Likewise, Isak’s output hasn’t been huge, but his central touches and shot locations still feel like progress but he played so little with no where near the rhythm or fitness (and luck) you need.
With the Wirtz–Ekitike combo, what would you want to see next to really believe in it? Is it how it performs against a low block team like Wolves on Saturday?
Away from attacker combinations, do you think Liverpool are still a little short of goals from set pieces? It feels like one area where a bit more chaos could offset the loss of a dominant open-play outlet. Oh crap, I sound like Mikel Arteta!
Have a good break, Beez. Thanks for all the analysis and articles.
Cheers, Moby. Pairings have always fascinated me as it's how repeatable things start to happen.
That's a good point re Wirtz-Ekitike and low blocks... I guess Wolves could be harder than expected given how many players are out, but we shall see.
The set piece stuff is mad... I posted this on Bluesky before the Spurs game but it won't have shifted much:
"Strange but true… Liverpool’s xG from set pieces this season.
Premier League (16 games): 3.98. Ranked 19/20.
Champions League (6 games): 3.70. Ranked 1/36."
But don't worry, you don't sound like Arteta ;-)
Those set piece rankings are another effect of Brexit then 😂
No rush - but how does this season compare to last season, to Klopp’s set piece record, and Slot's Feyenoord record?
Here’s the set piece goals in the league, Slot’s Liverpool have clearly underperformed against Klopp’s Reds and Feyenoord.
Wow!