The main reason for Liverpool’s early success
The Reds have only accumulated a goal differential of 13, through 9 matches, with a total of 7 victories and 2 draws. However Manchester City have totaled a goal differential of 23, with the same results.
This is not the same Liverpool that overwhelmed other clubs with their speed and attack last season. However, that can still change as the season progresses.
To this point in the season, Jurgen Klopp has been heavily relied on defensive prowess, which has come through greatly for them. With the additions of the £66M Alisson Becker and the £75M Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool has greatly bolstered the backline and the goalkeeper positions.
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A current squad of Andrew Robertson, van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren and Trent Alexander-Arnold, in some form, has proven to be a major strength.
Robertson and Alexander-Arnold, when he is in the starting XI, can provide an attacking element from the flanks, which can help the team going forward. Van Dijk, Gomez, and the recent insertion of Lovren have proven to be a stabilizing for as the centre backs on which the back line is anchored.
Liverpool’s summer transfer of Alisson has yielded even better results, as any chances that might get past the back line are, for the most part, handled by the very reliable keeper and the team has had a stunning start in terms of goals allowed.
Alisson’s impressive start includes 6 clean sheets, 19 saves and only 3 goals conceded. He has made one vital error against Leicester City, which lead to a goal, but overall has brought a presence at the back and a quick transition to attack – both things the squad was lacking.
This transformation has come rather quickly, but a lack of an attack still leaves many supporters asking for more. The front three has not quite been in form and injuries have lead to a lack of continuity for the front three and the midfield, as well.
As players become more acquainted with Klopp’s system, especially Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri, and other players return from injury, including Naby Keita, Adam Lallana, and Sadio Mane, the whole squad will likely begin to click.
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For the time being, Liverpool must continue to find ways to win, even when they are not quite as sharp as the fanbase would like. The defense and goalkeeping will be the main force guiding them to the wins such as the one against Huddersfield.