“He Was Pivotal” – Breaking Down the Numbers from Liverpool’s Victory Over Bologna – Analysis | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Statistical Dominance: Breaking Down the Win Against Bologna and Preparing for Crystal Palace

Liverpool’s 2024 campaign under new manager Arne Slot has kicked off with remarkable form, and the numbers certainly back it up. Fresh from an 8 out of 9 victory streak, including a 100% record in the Champions League, the Reds look stronger than ever. In a recent episode of Stat Me Up on Anfield Index, football analysts Bence Bocsak and Dave Davis dove deep into Liverpool’s performances, with Bocsak delivering a statistical breakdown that highlights the team’s current dominance.

Bologna Game Mastery: Numbers Tell the Story

Bocsak provided some impressive statistics that showcased Liverpool’s control during their Champions League victory over Bologna. Although the scoreline may not have fully reflected the dominance of Slot’s men, the data speaks for itself. “Bologna never really threatened, statistically. They didn’t create chances,” said Bocsak, emphasising the team’s defensive resilience. He added that while “there were nerving moments,” Liverpool were “by far the better team” and comfortably controlled the game.

One standout statistic from the Bologna match was Mo Salah’s involvement. Despite having the fewest touches on the pitch—just 37 touches—Salah was instrumental in Liverpool’s decisive moments. He created the most chances for the Reds, setting up four key opportunities and being involved in both of Liverpool’s goals. Bocsak noted, “He’s now averaging a goal contribution every hour or so on the pitch,” which is an incredible feat, cementing his reputation as one of the most clinical players in European football.

Photo: IMAGO

Gravenberch: A Pogba-Like Performance?

Another player who drew significant praise was Ryan Gravenberch. In what Bocsak described as a “prime Pogba performance,” Gravenberch dominated the midfield. “He made the most recoveries on the pitch with nine, covered a lot of ground, and completed three out of four dribbles,” Bocsak revealed. His ability to both defend and create was pivotal, with his seven passes into the final third and two chances created being particularly noteworthy. As Bocsak put it, “He looks like a bargain at £35 million.”

Photo: IMAGO

Looking Ahead: Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park

Attention now shifts to Liverpool’s next Premier League challenge, an away fixture against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Historically, Liverpool have had a solid record there. According to Bocsak, “Liverpool haven’t lost at Palace in almost 10 years, winning nine of the last ten encounters.” However, Selhurst Park is no stranger to late drama. “In the last five years, there were three goals scored after the 85th minute,” he pointed out, suggesting that late winners could again play a role.

As for the team’s readiness, the stats show that Liverpool have managed their squad well, with injuries being minimal. This is a contrast to previous seasons, where injuries often disrupted form. “It seems we’re having a really good period of availability,” said Bocsak. While key players like Mac Allister, Alisson, and Diaz may face fatigue due to long international travel, Slot has largely kept his squad fit and firing.

Crystal Palace: Another Chance to Build Momentum

Liverpool’s next game against Crystal Palace is set to test the Reds’ resilience once again. Palace have proved tricky in past encounters, but Liverpool’s statistics are promising. In the last five years, Liverpool have often found the back of the net late in games against Palace, with goals from the likes of Roberto Firmino and Fabinho contributing to late wins. The upcoming fixture could follow a similar pattern if the game remains tight going into the final minutes.

With a second international break looming, the Reds will want to secure all three points before pausing their campaign. Bocsak’s review of Liverpool’s past performances post-international break shows mixed results, but under Slot’s fresh management style, fans will hope for continued success.

Liverpool’s strong start to the season and the numbers behind it suggest a team that is not only playing well but also finding consistency in form. Bocsak’s insightful breakdown of statistics on Stat Me Up offers fans a deeper understanding of what is driving Liverpool’s success, both in the Premier League and in Europe. With continued focus on key players like Salah and Gravenberch, and an eye on upcoming fixtures like Crystal Palace, the Reds seem well on their way to a successful season.