During the 2020-21 season, Liverpool are one loss shy of what they had totaled in the Premier League in the past 3 seasons (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20). So, what are 5 reasons to explain why the losses are piling up for Liverpool FC?
Goals have become scarce
Goal scoring is definitely a stat to look at when losses are piling up, and Liverpool FC have been no stranger to scoring woes.
Over the course of their 27 games played this season, Liverpool have scored an average of 1.74 goals per match in the Premier League. This average is down 22% from what they were averaging last season at 2.24 goals per match. If we take a look at the 2018-19 season, Liverpool FC are down 25% in their goal scoring average per match, when they were scoring 2.34 goals per match.
Defending has been difficult to come by
If the scoring is woeful, we should take a look at their defending. Liverpool FC have been piling up losses by being unable to close down their goal.
An average of 1.30 goals against per game, is a 49% difference versus their last season average of 0.87 goals against. It is even more dramatic when we take a look at their 2018-19 season, when they allowed only 22 goals in 38 matches. That average of 0.58 goals against per game, is 124% less than what they are averaging this season.
Virgil Van Dijk’s absence
The Netherlands defender has been absent for the majority of the tournament. His absence, has seen the Liverpool defense completely shattered. It is not a surprise that the Liverpool goal against average is 124% up from two seasons ago, when Van Dijk was considered for the Ballon D’Or.
The influence Van Dijk has on his teammates is notable. He is a tremendous passer, a safeguard at the back and a natural leader. Not having his presence on the field, has absolutely affected the outcome of many close matches.
It is even admissible to say that Liverpool’s playing level will not return until Van Dijk returns.
Multiple injury crisis
Being a top team has its perks but will also yield important setbacks. As fans, we love to see the best teams competing up until the last matches of every single competition. Managers love the excitement of the final stages of tournaments. Owners are thrilled by the extra revenue. But physios are always on the edge. A long season means a long wear on players. Pile up the long seasons, and the injuries are sure to come.
What led on to the total injury crisis in the 2020-21 season for Liverpool FC, was their constant success during the past few years. It was true for Barcelona FC and Real Madrid FC as well once their excellent run of form wore off. Barcelona FC entered a multi-season drought once they ended their Pep Guardiola Champions League days. Real Madrid FC has been struggling ever since the last Zidane-led Champions League victory. Liverpool FC seem to be on the same path.
Physical form is tough to recover immediately. Muscles tend to wear down and need time to heal. With multi-format games every coming week, players don’t get the rest they need to fully recover. This has probably led to Liverpool having multiple injuries, more goals against and even fewer scores.
Closer Goals Scored-Allowed Differential
The point was made for goals for and goals against in the first two reasons, but let’s look at how this affects the differential. Liverpool scored 305% more goals than what they received in the 2018-19 season. That differential went down to 158% (which is still extremely good) in the 2019-20 season. The same statistic is now at 34% for the current season. This means that their average is much closer to zero than in their previous two seasons. Consistently outscoring opponnents covers a lot of defensive miscues.
Without top defenders Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez, defending is hard to come by. Liverpool FC has not been known for being lenient on defense these past few years. Worsen on both fronts, and you have the current campaign’s results.
Liverpool FC are still fighting for a top spot in the Premier League, but unless tides turn quickly and abruptly, things will not look too bright.
