Liverpool must avoid 9-year low and why Anfield offers reason for optimism

By Joanna Durkan

Liverpool must avoid 9-year low and why Anfield offers reason for optimism

Liverpool are struggling for results and goals but history suggests that will not continue, though Arne Slot's side will need to put in the effort to avoid unwanted records.

Liverpool have been kept goalless in their last two outings, and the last time they failed to score in three successive games was across January and February in 2016.

That was Jurgen Klopp's debut season in charge and two of those games were played out at Anfield.

Although no one wants to dwell on the slump, the reality is that Liverpool lost lost three games in a row by a margin of three or more goals in December 1953.

While there are few redeeming qualities about Liverpool right now, there are a few stats to mention that may give you reason for optimism.

None of Liverpool's last 30 group/league matches in UEFA competition has finished in a draw, since the 1-1 at Midtjylland in December 2020.

The Reds have won each of the last 13 Champions League group/league phase matches at Anfield.

And the club have won each of their last five matches played in matchday five of European competition, winning by an aggregate of 12-0.

Mo Salah needs two goals to become the first African to score 50 goals in the Champions League. He has scored once in his last six appearances in the competition.

He has, however, scored in each of his last two games against Dutch sides - doing so in both clashes with Ajax in the 2022/23 edition of this competition.

Salah has 46 goals for the Reds in this competition. The next highest of the players currently in the squad is Virgil van Dijk with five!

The night could also see him become only the fourth Liverpool player to reach 90 European appearances for the club after Jamie Carragher (150), Steven Gerrard (130) and Sami Hyypia (94).

They have not lost any of their two away games and after four rounds were in 18th place with five points - Liverpool, on the other hand, are eighth with nine points.

PSV's remaining three games in the league phase after tonight will see them face Atletico Madrid at home and Newcastle away before a home clash with Bayern Munich to finish - quite the draw!

* READ: Liverpool's next opponents extend 11-match unbeaten run with 6-point lead

Liverpool: Ekitike 6, Salah 5, Gakpo 4, Gravenberch 3, Chiesa 2, Szoboszlai 2,

Van Dijk 2, Frimpong 1, Isak 1, Kerkez 1, Konate 1, Mac Allister 1, Ngumoha 1, Robertson 1

PSV: Saibari 10, Til 9, Pepi 5, Veerman 5, Man 4, van Bommel 4, Bajraktarevic 2, Dest 2, Gasiorowski 2, Boadu 1, Bruns 1, Driouech 1, Flamingo 1, Mauro Junior 1, Nauber 1, Perisic 1, Schouten 1, own goals 1

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