Why are Liverpool struggling for Premier League goals?
Liverpool is facing a goal-scoring drought in the Premier League despite strong performances in other competitions. Manager Andoni Iraola suggests that the discrepancy is due to the defensive styles of league opponents rather than a lack of offensive capability.
Why it matters
Understanding the tactical challenges faced by top-tier football clubs provides insight into the competitive nature of the Premier League.
It is a small sample size and still so early in the Premier League season, but notable that in Liverpool's seven matches so far they have scored just nine goals.
That is in stark contrast to high-flying Brighton, who have already scored 23 top-flight goals and visit Anfield on Sunday, where Liverpool are awaiting their first home win in the Premier League under Andoni Iraola.
Across three Champions League games and a Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham, Iraola's side have been the entertainers, scoring 15 goals.
Even after the departure of Mohamed Salah Liverpool have plenty of goals in them, and that is evidenced by having 10 different goalscorers already this campaign.
So why are they averaging 3.75 goals per game outside the Premier League, as opposed to just 1.29 goals per game in it?
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