Liverpool’s Dominance Over City and What Awaits Against Newcastle

The recent episode of Stat Pack for Anfield Index saw Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter diving deep into Liverpool’s recent performances against Manchester City and Real Madrid. Their analysis not only highlighted Liverpool’s dominance but also set the stage for the upcoming clash with Newcastle United. Here’s what they had to say, along with the stats and insights that make this an exciting time to be a Liverpool fan.

Liverpool’s performance against Manchester City showcased tactical brilliance under Arne Slot. Dr Barter broke it down: “The first half was vintage Liverpool. We dominated with a field tilt of 55% to their 45% and created 17 penalty box touches compared to their five.” The numbers told the story of an intense and organised approach, with Liverpool managing to restrict City to a paltry 0.3 xG in the first half.

Dr Barter added, “We didn’t let them have a pass into our box from those dangerous central zones.” By forming a defensive “cordon around the penalty box,” Liverpool nullified City’s usual attacking threats. Even more impressively, the Reds shifted gears in the second half, allowing City possession but controlling the game. “It’s like we said, ‘Go on, see if you can do anything,’ and they simply couldn’t.”

This level of tactical adaptability is what makes Liverpool a force to reckon with this season. As Dave Davis noted, “We made the English champions look ordinary, restricting them to just one route to goal.”

While Liverpool’s recent victories have been monumental, the challenge of Newcastle United awaits. Newcastle, sitting mid-table with 19 points, presents a mixed bag. “They’re literally mid-table,” observed Dr Barter, “with a goal difference of zero, 14 scored and 14 conceded.”

However, Newcastle’s unpredictability is their strength. With wins against Arsenal and a draw against Manchester City, they’ve shown they can trouble the best. Yet, inconsistency remains their Achilles’ heel, as evidenced by their loss to a struggling West Ham and a lacklustre draw against Crystal Palace.

Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak will be key threats, but as Dr Barter noted, “Isak is underperforming his xG by about 10%.” Newcastle’s reliance on regular play rather than set pieces could play into Liverpool’s hands, especially given Liverpool’s defensive solidity.

Liverpool’s success is built on individual brilliance within a cohesive system. Dr Barter highlighted Mohamed Salah’s exceptional performance against City: “Mo accounted for 23% of our EPV production with just 29 touches. Defensively, he was solid too, winning 100% of his aerial duels.”

Salah wasn’t the only standout. “Dominik Szoboszlai had one of his best games,” said Barter, noting his significant contributions in possession and defensive work. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk continues to showcase his class, “rolling back the years to his Ballon d’Or-nominated form.”

What’s most exciting about Liverpool’s recent performances is their ability to control games in different ways. “Football’s about escapism,” remarked Dr Barter. “At the moment, the Reds are giving you that in buckets.”

Against City, Liverpool demonstrated a Swiss-army-knife approach to tactics, adjusting to game states effortlessly. Whether dominating possession or sitting back and hitting on the counter, Slot’s Liverpool is showing an elite level of adaptability.

While Newcastle can pose problems, Liverpool’s current form makes them favourites. With defensive solidity, tactical flexibility, and players like Salah, Szoboszlai, and Van Dijk firing on all cylinders, Liverpool is set to extend their winning run.

As Dave Davis aptly put it, “The games come thick and fast, but Liverpool look ready to dominate.”