Statistic shows area where Liverpool excels but shows why Manchester United pose a threat

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Liverpool have received criticism for their performances in their last three games before the international break.

Arne Slot’s side went into the break with three straight defeats in all competitions, which was a worry for fans, given each display was of a similarly poor level, especially after the previous seven-game winning streak.

But even in those performances where Liverpool found themselves winning, the warning signs for the run of losses were there, with defensive fragilities and the need to pull out a last-minute winner on multiple occasions.

Now, as the Premier League resumes, they face Manchester United, who have not had the most consistent form this season, as their manager, Ruben Amorim, has faced a mountain of pressure on his job.

While it may not be the match the Reds want to return to, given the historical nature of the fixture and its meaning to the fans, it might be just what they need if they can put on a convincing display at Anfield.

Liverpool have created the most chances from open play in the Premier League this season

Where Liverpool have needed to improve the most is their defence because of the individual errors of Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez, but there have at times been question marks over their creativity.

In the last three games, they have scored two goals, which is very disappointing for a side with so much attacking firepower at their disposal.

Clearly, though, they have not had an issue creating chances this season, according to Squawka’s analysis of the season so far.

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Out of all the teams in the Premier League this season, Liverpool have created the most chances from open play (71).

That is three higher than their opponents on Sunday, United (68), and 12 more than Bournemouth (59), who have been in great form so far this season.

It is, of course, very positive to see, but it does bring up the question of how this side struggled to bury their chances in recent games with the amount they are creating.

Slot needs to address the lack of finishing from the past three games, especially if these are the numbers this side is putting up.

Manchester United will cause Liverpool problems at the weekend

But what is more of a worry is the fact that United have the second most, which has to be a problem for this side, given the issues in the backline.

Liverpool have been more prone to conceding from a set-piece than from open play chances; however, the errors at the back consistently make the Red Devils a danger on Sunday.

While the Reds will definitely exploit the flaws of this United team, make no mistake about the danger they pose with those numbers, and if their side turns up to Anfield ready to spring a surprise performance.