Liverpool have been criticised all season for their lack of cutting edge in front of goal and 'soft' defending at the other end. At this point in the league last year, Liverpool had hit the target with 152 shots, averaging 6.6 shots a game. They had conceded 74 shots on target, at 3.2 per game. This term, they have taken 99 shots on target and faced a shocking 97 - 4.3 and 4.2 per match respectively. In the back-line, the individual performances of captain Virgil van Dijk and main centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate alongside the adjusting Milos Kerkez and ever-changing right-back position, all lend a hand in explaining the defensive struggles.

Source: BBC January 27, 2026 01:22 UTC