Analysis: What The Numbers Behind Liverpool’s Recent Performances Tell Us | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Carabao Cup Clash with Tottenham and a Commanding FA Cup Victory Against Accrington Stanley

Liverpool’s recent fixtures delivered contrasting emotions. From the disappointment of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup first leg, to a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, Arne Slot’s side showcased both their frailties and strengths.

This article takes an in-depth look at the key talking points from the latest Under Pressure Podcast featuring Dan Rhodes and Dan Kennett, highlighting their insights on both games and what it means for Liverpool’s season ahead.

A Narrow Loss to Spurs in the Carabao Cup

Liverpool’s defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup first leg was a hard pill to swallow. Dan Rhodes observed that “the performance was good in patches, but it lacked that cutting edge we’ve come to expect.” Rhodes and Kennett both agreed that the defensive structure was solid, but the Reds’ inability to break through a stubborn Spurs defence proved costly.

Rhodes noted, “Spurs took their chance well, but there was very little between the sides.” He pointed out that Liverpool’s xG (expected goals) was significantly higher than Tottenham’s, indicating that the Reds created more chances but were unable to convert them.

Dan Kennett highlighted that the absence of key players due to injuries played a role. “The midfield lacked creativity,” he remarked, “and it showed in how few clear-cut opportunities we had.” He also praised Tottenham’s defensive resilience, saying, “You have to give credit to their backline – they made it difficult for us to get any rhythm.”

Photo: IMAGO

Commanding Win Over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup

The mood in the studio shifted significantly when discussing Liverpool’s FA Cup triumph over Accrington Stanley. Dan Kennett was full of praise for Liverpool’s attacking intent and control. “We dominated possession, had more shots, and showed the gulf in quality,” he said.

One standout moment came when discussing the performance of Liverpool’s youngsters. Kennett noted, “Federico Chiesa stood out. He was desperate for a goal, and his six shots showed his hunger.” Rhodes added that Chiesa’s performance was reminiscent of a classic Salah display: “Six shots, four on target, one off the post – he was everywhere.”

The podcast also highlighted the incredible goal scored by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Rhodes jokingly remarked, “What a waste! You score one of the goals of your career, and it’s against a League Two side at Anfield.” Kennett couldn’t help but agree, saying, “It was a beauty. No keeper in the world would’ve saved that.”

Photo: IMAGO

The contributors also discussed the vibrant atmosphere created by Accrington Stanley’s travelling supporters. “They were tremendous,” said Kennett. “No tragedy chanting, no negativity – just pure support for their team. They were a credit to their club.”

Key Performances from Liverpool’s Young Guns

Liverpool’s depth was a key focus of the podcast, with both contributors praising the performances of several young players. Dan Rhodes singled out Jarell Quansah, saying, “He looked composed and mature beyond his years.”

Dan Kennett was equally impressed with Jaden Danns, who scored a well-taken goal. “There’s so much to like about him,” said Kennett. “He wins the ball, drives forward, and finds himself in the right place at the right time. He’s got a big future ahead.”

The discussion also touched on Harvey Elliott’s impact. Kennett pointed out, “He contributed to 25% of Liverpool’s expected possession value – that’s huge. He was a key figure in our attack, and his progressive passes were impressive.”

Looking Ahead for Liverpool

As the conversation wrapped up, the duo turned their attention to the upcoming fixtures and the potential impact of January transfers. Rhodes expressed hope that Liverpool can find more consistency in their performances. “The win against Accrington shows what we’re capable of, but we need to carry that form into tougher matches.”

Kennett concluded by highlighting the importance of squad rotation. “The FA Cup win was a reminder of the talent we have in our squad. If Slot can manage the rotation well, we’ve got a real chance to compete on all fronts.”

With Tottenham up next in the second leg of the Carabao Cup, Liverpool will be looking to overturn their deficit and progress to the next stage. Meanwhile, their FA Cup campaign continues to look promising.