The Liverpool run was extended after another victory strengthened their position in the Premier League table. The Reds thrashed West Ham United 5-0 last Sunday, December 29, to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. They now have 45 points from 18 matches, while second-placed Nottingham Forest have 37 from 19.
The Reds look in ominous form now and should have little problem in securing their 20th league title if things continue like this. Their dominance has not been without any reason, however. In this article, we will take a look at three reasons why this Liverpool run keeps rolling on this season.
Liverpool Run Extended: 3 Reasons
1. Quick build-ups and direct football
Liverpool were the masters of playing long balls under Jurgen Klopp and have simply continued in the same vein this season under Arne Slot. In Trent Alexander-Arnold, they have one of the best passers in English football at the moment and the right-back keeps making his mark with his crosses and long balls played to Mohamed Salah on the right flank.
That allows Liverpool to take time away from their opponents. Their forwards’ ability to play quick passes in the final third means that the opposition defence has less time to organize themselves. Moreover, it is not only Salah who makes those forays into the final third.
Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, both of whom have played on the left flank, can do the same, too. In addition to that, the finishing ability of Salah and Gakpo, who have 31 goals between them this season already, makes things easier for the Reds. The Liverpool run has much to do with finishing.
2. Other teams not willing to play negative football against Liverpool
They have done so against Manchester City with great results. Most of the teams have adopted a negative approach against the Cityzens, which has stifled the latter and stopped their winning spree during the last couple of months or so.
However, most of the teams have not put all men behind the ball against Liverpool typically just as they have done against Manchester City. The Reds do not rely on short passes as much as the Cityzens and hence, are more difficult to defend against in numbers.
However, what remains quite surprising is that the smaller teams have not even tried to adopt a negative strategy against Slot’s men. They might start doing so in the near future to test the Reds’ might, but for now, the Liverpool run continues.
3. Liverpool victory ensured by defence holding firm
Liverpool have already kept eight clean sheets in their 18 league matches this season. They have also conceded only 17 goals, which is the second-lowest tally in the league and is one less than the number Arsenal have conceded.
Virgil van Dijk is having one of the best seasons in a Liverpool shirt and the likes of Joe Gomez have performed really well in Ibrahima Konate’s absence during the last month or so. Now, Konate is fit once again and it will add to the Reds’ strength. Ryan Gravenberch has been absolutely brilliant as a holding midfielder and has been ably supported by Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones. Even Caoimhin Kelleher has stepped up nicely in Alisson’s absence.