Liverpool took a big blow to their title chances at Anfield and stats show their defensive issues are to blame.
The Reds were beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace after failing to come back following Eberechi Eze’s goal inside the opening 15 minutes.
Andy Robertson managed to save Virgil van Dijk from humiliation in the first half but he couldn’t prevent a costly loss for Jurgen Klopp’s men
The Scotland international was forced into action after teammate Van Dijk slipped while battling Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The full-back somehow got back to the goal-line when the French forward beat Alisson and clawed the ball off the line by the tiniest of margins.
His effort was in vain in the end though, with his side now falling down to third in the Premier League table and losing their advantage in the title race.
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The hosts are in trouble, and some shocking stats have emerged to show that going behind in games is becoming an unwanted trend.
Liverpool have now conceded the opening goal in four of their last five Premier League games at Anfield.
That is as many as they had let in in their previous 22 home games.
As well as that, their defensive record throughout the entire year has fallen well off their usual standards.
After conceding to Eze, they have now let in more goals in 2024 than their bitter rivals Everton.
Considering the Toffees are in a relegation battle, that record is not good enough for a title contender.
Klopp’s men have now conceded 15 times this year while Sean Dyche’s side have let in one less with 14.
A lot of those goals have been at home too, conceding in each of their last nine games at Anfield which is their worst run at home without a clean sheet since 1999.
That form has ended up costing them and they fell to a second home defeat in a row in all competitions for the first time in three years.
Liverpool are now two points off the top of the table and now Manchester City and Arsenal have the advantage in the title race.
News Summary:
- Andrew Robertson saves Virgil Van Dijk from humiliation but can’t prevent costly defeat as shocking Liverpool stats emerge
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.