xg - Anfield Index

Big chances are a crucial part of any Premier League team’s season. They help to differentiate the quality of a team. It expands nicely on the basic idea of xG that not all shots are equal. Bobby Firmino’s tap-in from a yard against Spurs was a better quality chance than when Denis Odoi shot from the halfway line against us for Fulham. So by looking at how many quality chances Liverpool are creating, and more importantly who is creating them, …

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 this team. The obvious place to start is the bottom line. Liverpool weren’t quite in crisis with a poor start of 13 points from their first …

I must confess that I was amongst those potentially frustrated when Liverpool decided not to spend big money on a left-back last summer, instead plumping for Hull’s Andy Robertson. However, once I did some digging on Robbo, as I have several friends who support Hull, the overwhelming response was that it was a very positive signing and one who would be good value for money. Nevertheless, I think it’s fair to say that Robertson has, pound for pound, probably been …

If you haven't got the memo yet, Liverpool won't be conceding any goals this season thanks to Virgil simply swearing at anybody who lets the ball come into the box and Alisson dealing with whatever small amount that Virgil's swearing fails to deter. https://twitter.com/babuyagu/status/1028711576071753729 This is great obviously for us Liverpool fans but sucks for me as someone who enjoys analysing the goals we concede to see where the failures lie tactically/individually. Therefore, I have decided to look at all …

With an epic two-legged quarter-final looming against Manchester City, I took a look at the way both teams attack. The Champions League tie promises to be one of those contests for the ages. Two brave, attacking teams locking horns; this could be another legendary European contest that, we as fans, will be talking about for years to come. The context We know we can beat City. However, it is also true that we are facing the (inevitably) greatest champions of …

Liverpool moved back to second, at least for 48 hours, by comfortably beating Newcastle 2-0 at Anfield. But what were the key stats from the game? Defensive Solidity Re-Emerging Liverpool have recently increasingly defended well in patches, but this seems to be a patch that is working for the club. One goal conceded in their last four games, with three clean sheets in their last five league games. And there are quantifiable underlying stats too, as the Reds have only …

A tough September-October period for Liverpool saw goals dry up, with both Coutinho and Sadio Mané sustaining injuries, as the team went through a challenging drop in form. With the attacking flair synonymous with Liverpool in recent years dissipating, Roberto Firmino's place, or at least his role within the team has come into question - the idea was that with Firmino playing, Liverpool do not need a classic out-and-out striker, as he makes up for fewer individual goals through goal …