Liverpool FC Opta Stats

Observations as Liverpool Waltz Past Cardiff

Liverpool maintained the 'Fortress' Anfield record after a bit of huff 'n' puff against Cardiff. The game was bereft of excitement for large parts until Liverpool decided to turn it on late in the game. The key observations from the game: The ebb and flow This game was a funny one (and not in a good manner)....

Liverpool’s “Crisis”

Liverpool have not been playing very well lately. The Reds have managed to grind out results and have gotten lucky a number of times over the last few weeks. A Daniel Sturridge wonder goal, Riyad Mahrez shooting for the stars over the Anfield Road end and the woodwork against Huddersfield complete a series of...

Key Stats as Reds Keep On Trucking Against Huddersfield

Liverpool were far from their best, but once again they got the result, as they secured a 1-0 win away at Huddersfield. But with the Reds’ unbeaten start stretching to nine games, what were the key stats from another crucial result? Defence Bends But Doesn’t Break This was arguably one of Liverpool’s worst defensive performances of...

Is the Bobby Dazzler Really a Striker?

In mid-June of 2015, it was reported by multiple media sources, both in England and abroad, that Manchester United had agreed to sign an up-and-coming Brazilian midfielder, Roberto Firmino, for a fee of around £13m from German club, 1899 Hoffenheim. The action-packed style of the young man had some of the Europe’s top scouts...

A Strangely Underrated Start to the Season for Liverpool

With the international break now upon us, it's a good time to reflect on Liverpool's start to the season. As the final whistle rang around Anfield after the 0-0 draw against Manchester City, it signalled the fourth consecutive game without a win for the Reds. This comes after quite possibly Liverpool's worst ever performance under...

Liverpool FC – The Difference A Year Makes

Looking back, it’s really interesting to see where Liverpool are now compared to where they were at the same point in the previous season. So I thought it would be interesting to look at the side that started the opening eight games of last year, and compare and contrast where they are compared to...

Is Gomez Actually Outperforming Van Dijk?

Cast your mind back to the latter stages of last season, when a clearly unfit Joe Gomez was struggling to impress. Utilised at right-back, the 21-year-old was a weak presence in frustrating draws against relegated pair Stoke City and West Brom, conceding a last-gasp free-kick that proved key in the latter. With Liverpool doing their best...

The Year of the Studge?

When Daniel Sturridge entered the fray on Saturday night, there was a sense of something resembling relief. Even before he scored, the truth was that you felt Liverpool had a better chance of something happening with him on the pitch. That’s always been the impression with Sturridge. Whatever you think of the player, it’s hard...

Alisson Becker – Passing His First Big Test

Daniel Sturridge has rightfully gotten most of the attention after the nail-biting finale of the clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge - what a strike that was. One the best compliments for that shot would be that even Alisson couldn't have saved it. Liverpool's new Brazilian keeper didn't have a whole lot to do...

Set Pieces – Fuelling the Reds’ Flying Start

No matter where you are from your local match commentator probably said something like: "Set pieces - Liverpool's long-term Achilles heel" when Eric Lamela scored against the Reds last at Wembley. That line is simply ignorant. Liverpool's set piece defence has been slowly and steadily improving for three seasons now. The same applies for...