Liverpool’s Anfield Record Exposes Creativity Problems Under Iraola

Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield has exposed significant weaknesses in their attacking approach, with statistics revealing difficulties creating clear scoring opportunities despite their high number of attempts this season.

The defeat on Sunday marked the first time Liverpool had failed to register a shot on target in a Premier League home match since Opta began recording the statistic in 2003.

Although the Reds attempted 17 shots against Arsenal, none required goalkeeper David Raya to make a save. Their efforts were valued at just 1.05 expected goals, underlining the limited quality of the opportunities created.

Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the encounter in the 16th minute, finishing a low cross from Declan Rice to give Arsenal their first league victory at Anfield in 14 years.

Liverpool have taken 140 shots in the Premier League this season, the fifth-highest total in the division, but rank ninth for goals scored and 11th for expected goals.

A major concern is their reliance on attempts from outside the penalty area. About 39 per cent of their shots have come from outside the box, the fourth-highest proportion in the league, while only eight per cent have originated inside the six-yard area.

Dominik Szoboszlai's shooting statistics illustrate the problem, with 93 per cent of his 14 attempts coming from outside the penalty area. His only effort from inside the box was the penalty he converted against Newcastle United on the opening weekend.

The team's difficulties also extend to creating clear-cut opportunities. Despite spending almost £500 million on attacking players over the past two years, Liverpool have created only seven big chances in nine league matches, placing them second-bottom in that category.

Florian Wirtz, who joined the club to provide creativity and playmaking quality, has created 22 chances, the second-highest individual total in the division. However, he has yet to register an Opta-defined big chance created and ranks 37th for expected assists, with 1.08.

Liverpool's struggles have also been linked to their tendency to concede the opening goal, forcing opponents to defend in compact formations and limiting the space available for their preferred attacking approach.

They have conceded first in five of their nine league matches and have won only one of those games. Their opponents have consequently spent more time defending deep against them than any other Premier League side, with Liverpool facing low defensive blocks for 27 per cent of their playing time.

Iraola's preferred approach involves quick, vertical attacks and exploiting spaces during transitions. However, opponents protecting early leads have increasingly forced his side to rely on slower build-up play against organised defences.

The situation presents a challenge for the Liverpool manager, who must find ways to improve his team's movement, attacking combinations and ability to deliver the ball into dangerous areas.

Liverpool will need to address those weaknesses as they continue their domestic and European campaigns, with their inability to convert possession and shooting volume into high-quality chances emerging as a major concern.