{"id":1372467,"date":"2025-01-15T15:30:51","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T15:30:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1372467"},"modified":"2025-01-15T15:50:38","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T15:50:38","slug":"is-the-mentality-monsters-2-0-narrative-hiding-cracks-in-liverpools-title-bid","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/is-the-mentality-monsters-2-0-narrative-hiding-cracks-in-liverpools-title-bid\/","title":{"rendered":"Is the Mentality Monsters 2.0 narrative hiding cracks in Liverpool’s title bid?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Snatching wins or salvaging points from the brink of defeat is a hallmark of many champions. The ability to succeed or avoid loss while playing below par separates the great from the good.<\/strong><\/p>\n

However, the law of averages dictates that one cannot rely on luck without a change, even if such a thing is opportunity meets preparation. Liverpool<\/a> currently leads the Premier League, but there are understandable concerns about their recent form, despite their moments of brilliance.<\/p>\n

One worry is the Reds’ tendency to fall behind. This has happened on eight occasions this season out of 20 matches, which isn’t too bad since only four clubs (Arsenal, Fulham, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest) have a better record. From those setbacks, Liverpool have lost only once (against Nottingham Forest at home), while registering five draws and winning twice.<\/p>\n

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Since returning from his hamstring injury, in a four-goal thriller against Fulham, where Liverpool conceded first, Alisson has endured a challenging time. He boats the worst goals prevented total (-3.06) among goalkeepers who have played at least five games.<\/p>\n

He’s conceded nine goals, with only Andr\u00e9 Onana and Bernd Leno, both of whom have let in 10 goals, being more porous. But it’s fair to say the Brazilian shot-stopper hasn’t been entirely disappointing, but the underlying issue may be that Liverpool are conceding high-quality chances too frequently.<\/p>\n

“Always look likely to concede,” came Jamie Carragher’s verdict following the recent 1-1 draw with Nottingham, where he urged his former club to acquire a new defender in the January transfer window.<\/p>\n

He tweeted: “Liverpool should\u2019ve won tonight, but they continue to create big chances even in the games they don\u2019t win, but the defensive solidity they had at the start of the season has gone. Always look likely to concede. Buy a defender!!!!”<\/p>\n

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    Overall, this season, the Reds have fallen behind in nine matches. However, that’s when their ‘mentality monsters’ DNA kicks in. Under Arne Slot’s management, they have gone on to win three of those games and drawn five, resulting in a total of 14 points gained from losing positions. This is the highest in the Premier League this season, tied with Manchester City. However, Pep Guardiola’s team has fallen behind in three more games and suffered six losses, compared to their four wins and two draws.<\/p>\n

    Speaking of whom, since their victory over City, Liverpool’s record is: draw, draw, win, win, draw, draw; leading to a total of eight points lost out of a possible eighteen. During this stretch, they have allowed 12 goals, while Arsenal has conceded only four. Notably, only six teams have allowed more goals in this timeframe, even though Liverpool faced just 22 shots on target, which is the second-lowest in the league.<\/p>\n

    There are growing concerns on the other end: despite all the Ballon d’Or discussions, Mohamed Salah has not scored from open play in the three games following his impressive performance against West Ham. In that match, he came off frustrated after missing several opportunities.<\/p>\n

    Conversely, Liverpool are one of four Premier League clubs\u2014along with Arsenal, Newcastle, and Manchester United\u2014that have never lost a game after taking the lead. So far, no one has found the right strategy to defeat the Reds once they have taken the lead. However, if that is to change, then Slot’s men will start answering a question they’ve yet to confront this season.<\/p>\n

    Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n