Liverpool set an unwanted record against Napoli on Wednesday evening.
Dries Mertens’ goal meant the we failed to keep a clean sheet for an 11th consecutive game.
This high-flying Reds side have broken a 20-year record set in the dark days of 1998.
Despite enjoying a fine start to the season Liverpool are shipping goals, but why?
(Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)
The Reds have boasted the best defence in Europe for some time. Led by Virgil Van Dijk they have consistently shut teams out for the past two seasons. After introducing Alisson Becker and Fabinho to the side last year we looked more solid than ever .
Liverpool are enjoying an almost perfect start to the season but are making hard work of it by conceding so many goals.
So far nine teams have visited Anfield this season and all of them have scored against us.
In comparison Klopp’s side had already kept six clean sheet at home by this time last season.
The loss of Joel Matip has to be considered a massive reason for our failings at the back.
Since emerging as the man to partner Van Dijk last year he has been nothing short of spectacular.
Neither Joe Gomez or Dejan Lovren have been to fill the void he has left, the sooner he returns the better.
The Reds also lost Alisson for a two-month period earlier in the season which would also explain us shipping goals.
Another issue could be the high line we are playing this year. Since the introduction of VAR Klopp has employed a seriously high defensive line. Although good for catching people offside it often leaves us vulnerable when the opposition attackers time their runs well.
Whatever the reason Liverpool need to put a stop to it sooner rather than later.
Outscoring teams won’t always be possible and there will come a day when we need a solid defence.
Liverpool need to put an end to this unwanted defensive record at home against Brighton this weekend.