“It Should’ve Been More!” – Liverpool Win Again Despite This Slight Negative Remaining | OneFootball

Crystal Palace 0-1 Liverpool – Very Good but Something Still Missing

They say that winning when you aren’t at your best is a true sign of champions and regardless of whether you believe Liverpool are in a title race this season, things are looking very strong for Arne Slot’s side. The first-half performance against Crystal Palace was arguably the strongest and most dominant we have seen Liverpool so far this season, with the Reds passing through their opponents like they weren’t there.

However, there’s still something missing from Liverpool’s performances so far this season that could take the side to a whole new level.

Overall Reflection

Before we look into what was missing today, it’s crucial to acknowledge how good that performance was from Liverpool. The first half was particularly impressive, holding 73% possession and limiting Oliver Glasner’s side to an xG of just 0.08 at half-time. To be brutally honest, it should’ve been way more than just the 0-1 scoreline at half-time but that’s where the main issue for Slot’s side lies at the moment.

Photo: IMAGO

Second half saw the Reds defend very strongly, with Virgil Van Dijk and Ibou Konate impressing heavily and even Vitezslav Jaros looking sturdy when he came on for the injured Alisson Becker. Liverpool’s midfield also looked as strong as usual too, with Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones both having good games – as did Alexis Mac Allister before being forced off at half-time through injury. However, the front line painted a frustrated picture in the second half especially.

Liverpool’s Forward Struggles

Arne Slot has immense depth at his disposal in the forward positions, however it could be argued that only Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo have really kicked on so far this season. Mohamed Salah is of course still grabbing those crucial goals and assists, but his overall performances are still missing slightly, in my opinion.

The number nine position is also proving quite problematic, with neither Diogo Jota or Darwin Nunez really taking the season by storm. Obviously, Jota scores the crucial winner today so it’s hard to complain too much, but the Portuguese forward also missed a number of huge chances, which could have put the Reds out of sight. It’ll be fascinating to see what Liverpool do with the number nine role over the next few months.

Photo: IMAGO

I do also think there’s a slight issue a bit further behind the three forwards though. Gravenberch and Mac Allister have been sensational at progressing the ball from deep positions, but often when the ball has hit the front line or the more advanced midfielder (usually Dominik Szoboszlai) is when the attacks seem to suffer.

Taking the Positives

Thankfully for those attackers who are still really clicking into rhythm, the defence have been absolutely sensational. The partnership of Virgil Van Dijk and Ibou Konate have blown other Premier League defences out of the water, whilst Alisson Becker has remained the best goalkeeper in the world.

There’s also of course an encouraging way to look at Liverpool’s offensive struggles, with the Reds still securing valuable results and points even without those players firing on all cylinders. This Liverpool side will be seriously putting teams to the sword once those final passes and moments really start to click, but with a hard run of fixtures upcoming it must come soon.

Overall, it has been a brilliant start by Slot and the importance of today’s victory cannot be underestimated. I seriously think that it is just a matter of time before everything clicks and of course that will take time. Rival teams will be looking at this Liverpool team quite anxious about what level they could reach next.