After 18 games, no team has managed to score more goals in the Premier League than Liverpool. Nevertheless, since the 0-7 away drubbing handed to Crystal Palace and the 1-1 draw at home against West Bromwich Albion, the Reds haven’t managed to find the back of the net, hitting what appears to be a bump in the road.
Bookies recalculating the title race
The title race takes another twist pic.twitter.com/SJRf8Jf2yb
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 17, 2021
It’s often said that after winning a Premier League title, winning it again is arguably the toughest challenge in English football. Four games without a victory and three without scoring is hardly encouraging, as Liverpool seek to retain their crown this season. Despite beginning the campaign as outright favorites, the Premier League betting odds are changing.
People are beginning to get bolder at betting exchanges, wagering against Liverpool in upcoming matches, with some confidence their disappointing run of form will continue. However, others remain confident the Reds will make a full recovery, hitting the best of their form, despite the Premier League race being highly competitive this season.
Liverpool captain remains confident
After the 0-0 draw at Anfield which left Liverpool frustrated, Manchester United will undoubtedly have been the happier of the two sides with that outcome. United remain perched at the top of the Premier League table. The Reds dropped points again and following four games without a win, getting goals has become the biggest issue.
There is a solution to that problem, according to Jordan Henderson, who believes there needs to be less reliance on the attacking trio being the sole source of goals.
“I’m talking about everyone: midfielders, full-backs getting into the box, set-pieces. Everybody can chip in. We need to start doing that quickly.”@JHenderson on the need for every member of the Reds’ squad to contribute goals 👇
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 18, 2021
The Liverpool captain is clearly aware that scoring goals has become a major concern, although he still remains pleased with the overall contribution and effort from his teammates. “I think we can be pleased,” he insisted, confident that Liverpool will hit their stride before too long, accompanied by a “little bit of luck” to aid their fortunes.
No such problems at the back
When Liverpool needed help, up stepped Alisson. 👏#LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/RDeoVGzHSo
— 90min (@90min_Football) January 17, 2021
Despite being in the midst of a barren spell in the attack, Mohamed Salah remains the leading scorer in the Premier League with 13 goals. However, not one Liverpool player features in the top five for assists, which is a notable statistic to bear in mind, considering that a goal can’t be scored without enough creation of chances in the final third.
Meanwhile, even without the towering presence of Virgil van Dijk, who is widely considered to be the best central defender in Europe, the Reds have remained sturdy at the back. While the Dutchman continues his lengthy recovery from the ACL injury suffered against Everton, his colleagues at the back have stood firm and maintained a healthy defensive record.
No matter the rotations made at the back by Jurgen Klopp, center-back partnerships have looked solid and secure, no matter whether it’s Nathanial Phillips or Jordan Henderson partnering Fabinho in the defensive duo. Alisson also remains one of the safest pair of hands around, making plenty of crucial interventions whenever that backline is breached.
Can Liverpool turn the corner?
Considering that Liverpool remains reliable at the back and comfortable in control of the ball, it’s just the lack of goals this team needs to overcome. As Henderson pointed out, more players need to get involved in that task, aiming to lift the burden carried by the attacking trio. The goals will return before too long, and so will the wins, as the Reds aim to get back on track.
