Liverpool’s Premier League attack stalls despite European goal rush
Liverpool’s scoring contrast raises questions for Iraola
Liverpool have scored nine goals in their first seven Premier League matches this season, a return that stands in sharp contrast to their output in other competitions. Andoni Iraola’s side have struck 15 times across three Champions League matches and a Carabao Cup tie, including four against Villarreal and six against LASK.
Brighton had scored 23 Premier League goals and Manchester City 20 at the time of the report, both more than double Liverpool’s tally. Brighton were due to visit Anfield on Sunday, with Liverpool still seeking their first home league win under Iraola. The Reds have spread their league goals among 10 different scorers, but have averaged 1.29 goals per game in the Premier League, compared with 3.75 in the other cited matches.
Opponents’ tactics and early setbacks
Asked about the difference after the Villarreal win, Iraola said: “I don’t really know the reason.” He added that Liverpool had been “really good” going forward against Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, and suggested the opposition mattered more than the competition. He also said his team had been defending better in the Premier League.
The numbers cited in the report show three league clean sheets and eight goals conceded, compared with eight conceded in four Champions League and Carabao Cup matches. Liverpool have also conceded first in four of their seven league games, making it harder to prise open opponents who retreat into a low block.
Iraola has previously said he prefers facing a low block because it can leave his team in control and spending more time in the opposition half. Yet Liverpool have faced a low defensive block in 28% of their league games—the highest share in the division—while only 15% of their matches have featured a high block, the lowest share among Premier League clubs, according to the figures cited.
A Champions League team analyst quoted in the report said European matches can offer “more moments of technical brilliance” and more opportunities, while the Premier League presents a different challenge. Iraola’s attacking options include Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha. The league’s expected-goals figures suggested Liverpool should have scored 10.9, leaving them short of that mark as they prepared for matches against Brighton and Arsenal.