Liverpool have struggled to reach the heights of previous campaigns this season, floundering in sixth position in the Premier League and struggling to secure UEFA Champions League qualification.
Having been crowned European, domestic and World champions all in the space of 18 months, this campaign has been a chastening experience for Jurgen Klopp‘s side.
Although rotten luck with injuries has certainly played a part, one shocking statistic proves another major issue.
Journalist Josh Williams has shared a graphic via FBref on Twitter highlighting each Premier League side’s XG performance this season, with Liverpool sat worryingly amongst the bottom three sides.
Twitter: Liverpool now underperforming Expected Goals by the exact same amount they overperformed by last season. https://t.co/HGO8V5aAEH (@DistanceCovered)
Only Fulham and Brighton sit below the Reds, two sides who have either been fighting or attempting to stave off relegation all season.
Williams also points out Liverpool’s 10.3 expected goals underperformance this season is the exact same figure Klopp’s men overachieved by last term – further proving the stark difference in campaigns.
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Most Kopites won’t need statistics and fancy tables to tell them the finishing has been off the mark, for the most part, this season.
Credit to Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota, who have maintained a relative level of impressive goal contributions.
Were it not for the duo Liverpool could well find themselves bottom of the xG table and lower down the actual table.
Overall the worrying profligacy in front of goal points towards Klopp signing a recognised striker this summer, something the German has been reticent to do previously.
