Liverpool have built a strong defence under Arne Slot and have a consistent record. In some games they have scored a lot of goals and won comfortably, while in other games they have been pushed into the opposition’s box but, thanks to the tenacity of their goalkeeper and final line, have managed to go in without conceding a goal.
The game against RB Leipzig, who continue to do well in the Bundesliga, was no easy game. The home side came close on numerous occasions to scoring against Liverpool, including an early goal from Darwin Nunez that was disallowed after two offside decisions.
Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher saved his team with several super saves to complete a three-match winning run in the Champions League. Dutch international Cody Gakpo, who started the match, revealed his true feelings that he was helped by his defenders, but expressed his delight at the resulting victory.
“To put in a lot of work – defensively [and] also with the attacking. I think we worked very hard.”
“We chose good moments to counter-attack, also to attack, and I think we did very well. Sometimes we just kept the ball as well. I think it was overall a good performance. At the end, we defended well. We needed Caoimh and the back line to save us, but that’s also a strength of us now and we are very happy with that.”
“I think that’s the most important. Obviously you can play very well on the ball, but against a good opponent you know [there are] some moments in the game [where] maybe they have some good moments.”
“It’s all about to not concede at those times and stay locked in – and I think that’s what we did well today. Then, after those situations we gained control again and that’s how we mostly won this game today. We should have scored more goals I think, but at the end a win is a win so very happy.”
Liverpool have an away game against Arsenal this weekend, followed by a trip to Brighton, where they will face a host of top clubs. The Champions League also brings Xabi Alonso’s side to Anfield for their next game against Bayer Leverkusen, who won the Bundesliga last season without defeat.
With difficult games ahead, can Liverpool, who now have a more solid defensive network than under Jurgen Klopp, continue to pile up the whitewash against the best…?