The key reason for Liverpool's HORROR week revealed

Cameron Smith

14 Apr 2024 17:00 BST
3 min read

In the last eight days, Liverpool have lost twice and drawn once, with the Reds losing ground in the Premier League title race and facing a quarter-final Europa League exit.

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Last Sunday, Jurgen Klopp’s side drew 2-2 against Manchester United, before suffering a humiliating 3-0 loss to Atalanta in the first-leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.

An Eberechi Eze goal was then enough for Crystal Palace to seal a memorable 1-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

As a result, Liverpool are now third in the Premier League table and must overcome a three-goal deficit if they are to progress in Europe.

The overwhelming problem against both Man Utd and Crystal Palace was the Reds’ finishing in front of goal, while it was also an issue versus Atalanta.

Liverpool’s biggest problem

In their last three games, Liverpool have racked up 9.14 xG, but they have only scored three goals. Their finishing has been woeful and it may cost them two trophies.

With so many talented attackers on their books, Liverpool’s lack of cutting edge over the past week has been surprising, but this small blip may have ended the Reds’ pursuit of both Premier League and Europa League glory on Klopp’s farewell tour.

© IMAGO - Curtis Jones missed a huge one-vs-one chance against Crystal Palace

Palace deserve credit for their incredible last-ditch defending at Anfield, but Liverpool should’ve put the game out of sight in the second-half thanks to a cluster of huge opportunities. However, they were wasteful in front of goal and it cost them three massive points in the hunt for their second ever Premier League title.

Interestingly, Liverpool’s back-to-back Anfield losses (versus Atalanta and Crystal Palace) were both against opponents who used a 3-4-2-1 system. In both matches, Liverpool were far too easy to play through, with Atalanta and Crystal Palace finding joy when springing fast attacks.

Liverpool have enjoyed a brilliant season up to this point, but two losses against teams who use a back three is a tactical concern and their poor finishing is a massive issue. It may even cost them in their hunt for silverware this campaign.