Liverpool’s Win Over West Ham and What Lies Ahead for Wolves and Bologna

Liverpool’s season continues to gather momentum under new manager Arne Slot, following a strong victory against West Ham in the Carabao Cup. In the latest episode of Stat Me Up on Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Bence Bocsak broke down Liverpool’s latest performance, highlighting key players and previewing upcoming fixtures against Wolves and Bologna.

Liverpool’s Dominance Over West Ham

The Reds cruised to a 5-1 victory against West Ham, and as Bocsak noted, Liverpool’s attacking firepower was on full display. “Cody Gakpo created three chances, scored two goals, and had a 94% pass accuracy,” remarked Bocsak. His ability to finish even difficult chances made him a standout player. Interestingly, Bocsak pointed out that Gakpo’s two goals had a combined expected goals (xG) of just 0.65, showcasing the difficulty of his finishes.

The forwards grabbed the headlines, and Diogo Jota was no exception, scoring two goals himself. “Typical Jota – two shots, two goals,” said Bocsak, summing up his clinical efficiency. He also noted that despite having only 27 touches, Jota’s ability to capitalize on chances made him a decisive figure.

Key Players to Watch Against Wolves

Looking ahead to the clash against Wolves, Bocsak and Davis analyzed Liverpool’s recent history against the Midlands club. “We’ve won five of the last six matches against Wolves,” Bocsak stated, highlighting Liverpool’s dominance. However, last season’s 3-0 defeat remains a blemish on an otherwise solid record. Wolves are currently struggling at the bottom of the table, shipping goals, and Liverpool will look to capitalize on this form.

Bocsak warned that Wolves’ poor start could serve as a “banana skin” for Liverpool. As he pointed out, Wolves’ vulnerability at the back has been evident, with six goals conceded at home against Chelsea. However, despite these weaknesses, Liverpool must be cautious. “Four goals have been scored by Liverpool in the last 10 minutes of their last six matches against Wolves,” Bocsak reminded listeners, emphasizing the late-game drama that often unfolds at Molineux.

Wolves’ Defensive Frailties and Liverpool’s Offensive Prowess

As the pair dissected the upcoming fixture, Bocsak praised Liverpool’s recent form under Arne Slot. “Six victories in seven games – that’s impressive,” he said. Slot’s early days at the club have been marked by consistent performances, with Liverpool scoring freely while also managing to rotate the squad effectively. Slot has largely continued Jürgen Klopp’s tactical framework, with a few key adjustments, making it clear that Liverpool has not lost its identity under new management.

Slot’s ability to utilize players like Endo, who completed 95% of his passes against West Ham, shows the depth in Liverpool’s squad. “Endo won the most duels and made the most recoveries,” Bocsak noted, praising the defensive midfielder’s contribution.

Bologna Await in the Champions League

Beyond Wolves, Liverpool face Bologna in their second Champions League game of the season. Bologna presents a challenge, but historically, Liverpool have done well in their second Champions League fixtures. “Four wins from the last four second Champions League games,” said Bocsak, adding that Liverpool’s recent track record in Europe has been strong, barring the anomaly of a defeat against Napoli in 2018.

Federico Chiesa, who has a great record against Bologna, could be a key player in this fixture. Bocsak noted that Chiesa has scored seven goals in 11 games against Bologna, making him a potential game-changer.

Conclusion: Momentum Is Building Under Slot

As Liverpool prepare for Wolves and Bologna, the team looks in good shape. With Slot at the helm, the Reds have shown resilience, tactical acumen, and offensive strength. Liverpool’s strong recent record against Wolves, coupled with their impressive Champions League performances, puts them in a solid position to continue their winning run.

“Slot has had the best start for a Liverpool manager since Bob Paisley,” Bocsak concluded, emphasizing the optimism around Liverpool’s season so far. With Wolves up next and Bologna following closely behind, the coming weeks could solidify Liverpool’s status as title contenders under Slot’s leadership.