Where Liverpool are UNTOUCHABLE compared to 'struggling' Man Utd | OneFootball

Over recent years, Liverpool have been heavily indebted to Alisson Becker.

The Brazilian shot-stopper is the best in the world and the Reds have been kind enough to give him ample opportunities to showcase his talents between the sticks.

Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool weren't exactly watertight. There's no shame in acknowledging that either.

In three of his final four seasons in charge, the Reds had an Expected Goals Against total of over 47. During the 2022/23 campaign, the Reds gave up chances with an xGA total of 55.7. This, by far, was their worst season defensively under the German tactician.

Liverpool went from being defensively robust and resilient in the first few years of the Klopp era to relying heavily on Alisson to keep them competitive in those final years. It wasn't sustainable.

What the Reds are doing under Arne Slot, however, is sustainable.

Liverpool’s impressive numbers

There's still been a reliance on the goalkeepers. For example, Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher, filling in for the former Roma man against Bournemouth, have prevented 3.72 goals in the Premier League this season with their excellent shot-stopping skills.

Only four teams in the English top flight are over-performing their Expected Goals Against total by more. These four teams are Newcastle United, Manchester United, Leicester City and Ipswich Town.

These are struggling sides who are giving up more chances, so their goalkeepers are busier. The busier they are, the easier it is for them to rack up saves.

Liverpool, by comparison, have limited their opponents this season. They have the lowest Expected Goals Against total in the Premier League, by a considerable distance too. Slot's men have given up opportunities worth a total of 5.72.

The next best in the league is Fulham with 7.37.