Ben Bocsak: Key Stats from Liverpool Win Over Manchester United | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Fall to Liverpool: A Stats-Driven Breakdown

In a recent episode of Stat Me Up on AnfieldIndex, Dave Davis and Ben Bocsak dive deep into Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. This podcast, rich in statistical analysis, gives fans a deeper insight into the performances of key players like Luis Diaz, Ryan Gravenberch, and Mohamed Salah. Here’s a breakdown of the stats that played a crucial role in the win and what they mean for both teams moving forward.

Dominant Stats and Key Players in Liverpool’s Victory

Liverpool’s victory over Manchester United was not only impressive on the surface but also in the finer details of the stats. As Ben Bocsak rightly points out, “Liverpool created six big chances as opposed to United’s three, and that made the difference.” He emphasizes the efficiency in front of goal: “Liverpool took three of those big chances, while United took none.” This efficiency underscores the clinical nature of Liverpool’s performance, despite United’s possession stats showing more control at times.

Bocsak highlighted Luis Diaz’s contribution, calling it a “headline performance.” Diaz bagged a brace and, despite some areas of his play needing improvement, such as losing 10 out of his 13 duels, his impact was undeniable. “He took his chances,” said Bocsak, emphasizing Diaz’s consistency in the final third. Under Jurgen Klopp, Diaz has flourished, and the numbers back this up: “Four games, five goals, one assist,” Bocsak summarized, setting Diaz up as a crucial player moving forward.

Salah’s Incredible Record Against United

No discussion about Liverpool’s current form is complete without mentioning Mohamed Salah. In this episode, Davis and Bocsak highlight Salah’s astonishing record against Manchester United. Salah has been directly involved in 13 goals in his last seven matches against United, with 10 goals and three assists. “The most goals in all competitions against United in the Premier League era,” as Bocsak highlighted.

Reflecting on his contract situation, Bocsak gave his interpretation of Salah’s post-match comments: “It sounded like he wants to stay.” This will be music to the ears of Liverpool fans, considering Salah’s continued world-class performances. Liverpool must ensure that Salah remains at Anfield, given his consistency and form, which shows no sign of waning even at the age of 32.

Gravenberch: The Engine in Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch’s role in Liverpool’s midfield is also dissected by the podcast duo. His stats are impressive: “Four interceptions, 100% tackle success rate, and six recoveries,” Bocsak noted. His performance, particularly his defensive work, played a key part in Liverpool’s ability to stifle Manchester United’s attacking play. However, Gravenberch also contributed significantly going forward, drawing fouls and winning crucial duels that led to Liverpool’s attacks.

Bocsak also pointed out how Gravenberch was used more aggressively: “Quite often, Gravenberch was almost playing as an eight… He was going forward being aggressive, and Mallister was the deepest midfielder.” This interchangeability in Klopp’s system seems to be paying dividends, particularly in big games like this one.

The Future: International Breaks and Champions League Draws

Davis and Bocsak also discuss the looming international break and its potential impact on Liverpool’s form. Davis referred to it as “probably the thing Liverpool need the least right now,” given their strong start to the season. Bocsak provided some reassurance by stating, “Liverpool haven’t lost a single game after international breaks last season,” suggesting that the Reds have a good track record post-break.

In terms of Champions League action, the pair touched on the draw that sees Liverpool facing tough opponents like Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid. Bocsak expressed optimism, stating that Liverpool’s toughest games are “at home,” which gives them an advantage. Moreover, Liverpool’s record against European giants like AC Milan and PSV provides hope for a strong Champions League campaign.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Manchester United is a testament to the team’s tactical efficiency and individual brilliance. Players like Luis Diaz, Ryan Gravenberch, and, of course, Mohamed Salah, are proving to be crucial components in Liverpool’s impressive start to the season. With strong statistics backing up their performances, the Reds will be eager to continue this form after the international break and in their upcoming Champions League fixtures.