Missed chances the story of the first half of Liverpool’s season says Beard after Arsenal defeat | OneFootball

Liverpool manager Matt Beard said that his side’s failure to make the most of their chances against Arsenal sums up their season so far.

The Reds went down 1-0 to The Gunners at The Totally Wicked Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Liverpool were able to register just one shot on target in the game.

When speaking to the media after the match, Liverpool boss Beard expressed his disappointment at his side’s failure to make more of their chances in and around the Arsenal box.

“I’m disappointed to lose it to be honest with you,” Beard said. “I think if I look at the goal we conceded, normally, we’re good at attacking the defending set-piece, so that was frustrating. It was the one real opportunity we give to them.

“When we’ve had a half-chance and opportunities when we’ve got in good positions, we’ve not took them. I think that’s probably the story of our first half of the season.”

Liverpool went into the game with an ever-growing injury list and Beard highlighted the difficulties that his side have faced in the first half of the season.

He said “I don’t have the squad depth to lose seven, eight players and that’s what it’s been like for probably the last month. I go back to pre-season and I had 12 start the pre-season. 
We had nine injuries, had to cancel two friendlies and we’ve been pretty much playing catch up right the way across that first half of the season. It’s not ideal when we’re playing senior players with modified minutes when you’re playing for points. That’s the hand that we’ve been dealt unfortunately in the first half of the season.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel. Sophie Roman [Haug] and Marie [Höbinger] should be back fit when we come back in after the Christmas break.”

Opponents Arsenal are now 10 games unbeaten under interim head coach Renêe Slegers and Beard has backed the Dutchwoman to land the job on a permanent basis.

He said “I hope Renée gets the job, she’s done a fantastic job; it’s night and day from Jonas [Eidevall’s] Arsenal to what I’m seeing. I was speaking to the staff and some of the players, you can see they’re enjoying their football again.”

Liverpool return to action following the international break when they travel to West Ham United for an Adobe Women’s FA Cup fourth round tie on Sunday 12 January 2024.