Why are Liverpool struggling for Premier League goals?
Liverpool have scored just 9 goals in their first 7 Premier League matches under Andoni Iraola, contrasting sharply with their 15 goals in European and domestic cup competitions.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Liverpool have scored just nine Premier League goals in seven matches compared to Brighton's 23.
- The Reds average 3.75 goals per game outside the league versus 1.29 in it.
- Facing a low block in 28% of their league fixtures has created major breaking-down issues.
While the Premier League season is still in its early stages and the sample size remains small, Liverpool's meager return of just nine goals from their opening seven league matches has quickly become a notable talking point.
This output stands in stark contrast to high-flying Brighton, who have already netted 23 top-flight goals and travel to Anfield on Sunday—where Liverpool are still searching for their first home win in the Premier League under manager Andoni Iraola.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
By contrast, across three Champions League fixtures and a Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham, Iraola's side have played like relentless entertainers, scoring 15 goals in total. This proves the team still carries plenty of firepower, having already utilized 10 different goalscorers this campaign following Mohamed Salah's departure.
Why are they averaging 3.75 goals per game outside the Premier League as opposed to a mere 1.29 in it? Iraola was questioned about this anomaly after Liverpool put four past Villarreal at Anfield on Tuesday, less than a week after hitting six past LASK in Austria.
"In the Premier League, we are not scoring at this level and also we are probably defending better. They are different kind of games and different kind of opposition, I think more than [the difference being] the competitions, it is who you have played against."
Andoni Iraola
Iraola's side are undeniably defending better in the league, recording three clean sheets and conceding eight goals, compared to eight conceded across four matches in Europe and the cup. However, conceding first in four of those seven league matches has made breaking stubborn defenses significantly harder.
A low block tactical setup involves opponents dropping deep into their own half to deny space behind the defense, a common hurdle for dominant teams whose opponents sacrifice possession for defensive solidity. Facing this in 28% of their matches highlights how domestic opponents approach Liverpool with strict defensive organization compared to more open European encounters.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Iraola noted during his unveiling in July that he actually preferred facing low blocks because it allowed his side to control games and spend more time in the opposition half. Yet reality has proven trickier, even with an array of summer attacking signings like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz, and Rio Ngumoha.
The expected goals (xG) table suggests Liverpool should have netted 10.9 goals in the league, and prior to this weekend, eight teams had outscored the Reds. With upcoming clashes against Brighton and reigning champions Arsenal, Iraola will be hoping his attack clicks into gear.
Source: BBC Sport
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