Interesting that the roles were reversed against Forest the week before - van Dijk 130 touches, Konaté 66 (in 74 minutes). Presumably because in the earlier game Liverpool were dominant, if poor, and keen to get Virgil of the two on the ball, whereas this week Bournemouth were far more front foot and forced the issue. It seems odd to have the numbers so far apart, and even more so in successive league games, but the situations seem to explain it.
Great piece Josh ... love the pics to illustrate your points and the data to back it up! In pre-season, Ibou was shaky in the Arne's preferred build-up style. While he can progress by carrying the ball, he's not a great passer and so it's not surprising that opponents target him w their press. Credit to him for handling it pretty well on Saturday.
The results so far have been great but our opponents have been poor (4 of 5 finished in the bottom half of last season's table). A bottom-half side like Bournemouth are allowed 7 shots in the danger zone and 1.5 xG ... at Anfield! We had more than a little good fortune. Semenyo could have held his run for the disallowed goal. Luis' shot goes thru Kepa's legs while Caoimhin saves a similar one from Semenyo. Kepa could have stayed on his line instead of chasing Ibou's "assist" for Luis' first goal. Darwin's left-footer could've ended up in the stands instead of in the side netting. Saturday's match was both comfortable and uncomfortable to watch.
There are still echoes of last season where we concede too many high-quality shots and create most of our chances via transition / chaos vs. the controlled, less risky approach we expected from Arne. I'm happy with results (who wouldn't be?) but a true test will come after the next international break when the opponents are far, far stronger than those we've faced thus far.
Thanks Stephen. I take your point but do disagree slightly on the defence thing.
I don’t think we’re conceding too many quality shots at all. We talked about this on this week’s podcast episode, out tomorrow. Most of their shots, certainly the good ones, happened at 3-0 down. Most of the shots we faced at Old Trafford happened at 3-0 down too. Game state is massive here.
fair point re: the game state ... looking it up, all 3 of the big chances we conceded vs United came after 3-0 ... also, Bournemouth got 3 of its 7 danger zone shots after the 76th minute ... thanks for the context!
I guess my concern re: quality shots conceded is more about the opponent ... thought we should have killed the match up 3-0 at United & against Bournemouth ... worried about the teams we'll face after the next int'l break
Outside of the Forest we have left colouring chalks on all our oppositions. Luiz is benefitting from the Salah(Right sided) Fake approach or attempt. The bouncers are not watching the back door
Konate is a freak of nature. If Slot and his staff can keep him healthy for the year this team is going to be right there till the last day of the season
Our playing out from the back is getting better and better thankfully - remember the heart stopping moments in the pre season matches ? I think that may have been the end of Sepp
Great piece Josh, honestly writing like this is why I'm more than happy to pay a subscription for your work. Interesting analysis, you always learn something you might not have considered about the game, and the hook of the "hustle" as an overarching theme brings a smile to your face. Fantastic. Thx mate.
Thanks Juliette, feedback like this means a lot. I put a lot of emphasis on the creative side of my Substack, rather than focusing too much on painstaking analysis. I try to find the balance. Really appreciate your support.
Interesting that the roles were reversed against Forest the week before - van Dijk 130 touches, Konaté 66 (in 74 minutes). Presumably because in the earlier game Liverpool were dominant, if poor, and keen to get Virgil of the two on the ball, whereas this week Bournemouth were far more front foot and forced the issue. It seems odd to have the numbers so far apart, and even more so in successive league games, but the situations seem to explain it.
rich, literal pickings here today
Great piece Josh ... love the pics to illustrate your points and the data to back it up! In pre-season, Ibou was shaky in the Arne's preferred build-up style. While he can progress by carrying the ball, he's not a great passer and so it's not surprising that opponents target him w their press. Credit to him for handling it pretty well on Saturday.
The results so far have been great but our opponents have been poor (4 of 5 finished in the bottom half of last season's table). A bottom-half side like Bournemouth are allowed 7 shots in the danger zone and 1.5 xG ... at Anfield! We had more than a little good fortune. Semenyo could have held his run for the disallowed goal. Luis' shot goes thru Kepa's legs while Caoimhin saves a similar one from Semenyo. Kepa could have stayed on his line instead of chasing Ibou's "assist" for Luis' first goal. Darwin's left-footer could've ended up in the stands instead of in the side netting. Saturday's match was both comfortable and uncomfortable to watch.
There are still echoes of last season where we concede too many high-quality shots and create most of our chances via transition / chaos vs. the controlled, less risky approach we expected from Arne. I'm happy with results (who wouldn't be?) but a true test will come after the next international break when the opponents are far, far stronger than those we've faced thus far.
Thanks Stephen. I take your point but do disagree slightly on the defence thing.
I don’t think we’re conceding too many quality shots at all. We talked about this on this week’s podcast episode, out tomorrow. Most of their shots, certainly the good ones, happened at 3-0 down. Most of the shots we faced at Old Trafford happened at 3-0 down too. Game state is massive here.
fair point re: the game state ... looking it up, all 3 of the big chances we conceded vs United came after 3-0 ... also, Bournemouth got 3 of its 7 danger zone shots after the 76th minute ... thanks for the context!
I guess my concern re: quality shots conceded is more about the opponent ... thought we should have killed the match up 3-0 at United & against Bournemouth ... worried about the teams we'll face after the next int'l break
Outside of the Forest we have left colouring chalks on all our oppositions. Luiz is benefitting from the Salah(Right sided) Fake approach or attempt. The bouncers are not watching the back door
Should probably have mentioned centre forward is running towards salah and dragging them all over opening up the space
Konate is a freak of nature. If Slot and his staff can keep him healthy for the year this team is going to be right there till the last day of the season
Our playing out from the back is getting better and better thankfully - remember the heart stopping moments in the pre season matches ? I think that may have been the end of Sepp
Great piece Josh, honestly writing like this is why I'm more than happy to pay a subscription for your work. Interesting analysis, you always learn something you might not have considered about the game, and the hook of the "hustle" as an overarching theme brings a smile to your face. Fantastic. Thx mate.
Thanks Juliette, feedback like this means a lot. I put a lot of emphasis on the creative side of my Substack, rather than focusing too much on painstaking analysis. I try to find the balance. Really appreciate your support.
Great analysis as usual Josh, but also great writing. Love the way you framed the whole piece. Really enjoyable.
Thanks Chris, cheers mate.
Just a couple of points to my comment.
1. Your in depth knowledge of hustling concerns me somewhat.
2. Ibou also supported and covered for Trent much more than Virgil needed to for Robbo.