Liverpool’s recent performances against Crystal Palace highlighted a key area for improvement under new manager Arne Slot. Despite securing a 1-0 win, the Reds made life harder than necessary by failing to capitalize on several golden opportunities.
Let’s be clear – any time Liverpool can grind out a tough away victory, the fans will be pleased. However, the narrow scoreline in this case points to a recurring issue that Slot must address. This is necessary if the team is to reach its full potential.
How wasted chances by Liverpool are a headache for Slot?
As Slot himself admitted to BBC Sport after the game,
“We should have scored the second one earlier, then I think we would have gotten what we deserved.”
And his assessment is not wrong. The stats back up the Dutch manager’s concerns. According to FotMob, Liverpool could have won a lot more comfortably and the third-choice goalkeeper Jaros certainly deserved a kinder environment to walk into on debut.
Liverpool missed four big chances against Palace, two in each half, bringing their Premier League tally to 17 for the season.
That’s the second-highest in the division, and it’s starting to show. Diogo Jota may have opened the scoring early. But Liverpool’s No. 20 was among the guilty parties in squandering further chances.
In total, the Reds had 16 shots on goal at Selhurst Park, but only four were on target, resulting in an xG of 1.39. While their dominance in possession was clear – Liverpool completed 642 passes to Palace’s 300. The lack of finishing touch meant the game remained on a knife edge far longer than necessary.
Slot’s side has taken 107 shots in seven league games so far, yielding 13 goals – slightly underperforming against an overall xG of 14. The problem isn’t creating chances; it’s converting them.
Lack of clinical finish
Liverpool’s ability to control games is evident. But turning that control into decisive victories is the next step in Slot’s evolution of the team. On a brighter note, Slot has made history by becoming the first Liverpool manager to win his first four Premier League away games.
This is a feat neither Jurgen Klopp nor Kenny Dalglish managed in their debut campaigns. However, as competition heats up, Liverpool will need to be far more clinical in front of goal if they want to maintain his momentum and truly challenge for silverware this season.
Also Read:
- Unlikely hero: Liverpool’s third-choice keeper Jaros shines in shock Premier League debut
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- Strict action against Preston North End star confirmed
- Nightmare duo: Hooper and Coote return to haunt Liverpool in Palace showdown
- Slot ready to sell midfielder for Gravenberch alternative