Last night in the Champion's League Group Stage, Liverpool drew even with Spartak Moscow 1-1, earning one point in the process. However, it was another contest dominated by Liverpool in every possible way with the exception of one.......the scoreboard. And, this seems to be a trend for Liverpool recently, all too often outplaying their opponent but unable to put them away. So, how should Liverpool fans react?
The glass is half empty if you look at statistics and come away frustrated at the lack of finishing. In the last six games, Liverpool have managed 121 shots but only scored 6 goals. This equates to a 5% conversion rate. Conversely, Liverpool have conceded 13 goals in the same 6-game stretch with opponents converting at about a 25% clip. You will not be very successful if your opponent scores on 25% of their chances while you only score on 5% of yours.
The glass is half full if you look at the domination Liverpool have shown recently. Yes, you have to almost ignore the final score which admittedly is the most important thing. But, there is no question that Liverpool have outplayed the opposition. And, as Jürgen Klopp says, as long as chances are being created the rest is up to a bit of luck. And Liverpool have not been lucky in recent times. But still, out shooting your opponents by more than 2 times, having the bulk of possession, and outperforming your opponent in just about every way are all signs to indicate good things are coming. It feels like a matter of time until the luck changes and Liverpool begin converting these chances. And, they don't need to convert at a 25% clip, just need to put away more chances and the results will come.
The glass is half empty if you look critically at the Liverpool defense. Far too often they concede a soft goal. Whether it comes after a defensive letdown, a centerback missing on a clearance attempt allowing for a tap in, or a goalkeeper seemingly stuck in cement on a 25-yard free kick, the number of easy goals allowed is frustratingly high. And, when you concede a soft goal nearly every game, it puts added pressure on the offense which can be a reason for the number of great chances Liverpool have been unable to finish.
The glass is half full if you look at the Liverpool defenses ability to limit opponent chances. Yes, the soft goals have occurred and they need to eliminate that, but overall Liverpool have mostly smothered their opponents and not allowed many good goal scoring opportunities. The mistakes have been well documented, but you can't take away from the fact that Liverpool have mostly limited the opponent attack.
The glass is half empty if you look at recent form and missed opportunities. There is no denying Liverpool lost 2 points last night when they clearly outplayed Spartak. Spartak certainly is not a Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or even Sevilla. And they have been in horrible form lately. Add in injury issues and the recipe for a road win seemed all set. When you play European nights, you cannot afford to lose points when they are there for the taking. Last night wasn't the first time either. At home to Sevilla, Liverpool again dominated and should have come away with 3 points. Instead, they tied in that match as well. Where they could easily, and should, be top of the group with 6 points, they instead find themselves with just 2. And, looking at their last 6 matches, Liverpool have just one win. The Reds had draws with Spartak, Sevilla, and Burnley, with losses to Leicester City and Manchester City. In those six, only Manchester City can be viewed as a top club. One win, two losses, and three ties is just not good enough.
The glass is half full if you look at the big picture. Yes, Liverpool should have won last night and also against Sevilla. But still, they are in good position to advance past the group stage even though it is still early. A draw on the road in the Champion's League is never a bad outcome. Especially when you travel to Russia. If Liverpool take care of business against Maribor and defeat Spartak when they visit Anfield they will advance. And, winning the group is still not out of the question. The Premier League is a grueling, long season. After 6 games the Reds find themselves even for the fourth spot. And Liverpool have yet to play their best. While some teams have gotten off to a torrid start, in a long season there will be ups and downs. If this has been a "down" and Liverpool are still among the leaders they are in a good spot.
It all comes down to perspective. Yes, recent games have been frustrating to watch. It is easy to hang your head and feel as though Liverpool are just not quite at the level of other top clubs. But, if you look at the overall play and how well Liverpool have played in almost every aspect of the game, there is reason for optimism. No doubt though, Liverpool need to put away more chances. With a little luck, and then more confidence, Liverpool can show the form consistently that supporters have seen glimpses of.