Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat by Arsenal at Anfield exposed a recurring weakness against deep defensive blocks. The team failed to register a shot on target, the first time that has happened in a Premier League match at the stadium since records began in 2003-04. Liverpool also failed to hit the target in a goalless draw at Arsenal earlier this year, although they struck the woodwork in both matches.

Arsenal deserve credit for limiting the quality of Liverpool’s opportunities, even though the hosts repeatedly reached dangerous positions. Liverpool had 52 touches in the Arsenal penalty area but created only one Opta-defined big chance. The Premier League average is considerably more efficient, with 10.3 touches in the box required per big chance this season.

The problem extends beyond the match against Arsenal. Liverpool have had fewer touches in opposition penalty areas than 12 teams, but only Coventry, with 11, have created fewer big chances than their total of 12. Everton’s Thierno Barry has produced 15 big chances individually, while Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has created 14.

Liverpool’s record in Europe suggests that the issue is particularly pronounced in domestic matches. They have created 12 big chances in three Champions League games. However, their Premier League fixtures have generally been more difficult to open up, with Liverpool spending more time building attacks against low defensive blocks than any other team.

Their own results have contributed to that pattern. Liverpool have conceded first in five of their eight league matches, and opponents have rarely had a strong reason to abandon their compact defensive shape. Liverpool have held two-goal leads only against Ipswich and Brighton.

Andoni Iraola identified the challenge during his first Liverpool press conference, saying he preferred the control and territory that come with facing a low block. Liverpool have had more touches in the opposition half and attempted more final-third passes than all but four teams, but that territorial dominance has not consistently produced high-value chances.

Florian Wirtz is expected to help solve that problem, yet he has not created a big chance in the league this season. During his debut campaign, his total of five was already well below the figures of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. Wirtz remains involved in advanced areas, ranking ninth in the division for completed final-third passes, but his influence has focused more on retaining and circulating possession than on opening defences.

Liverpool also need to turn their high press into more immediate opportunities. Most of their league big chances have come from corners or crosses in open play. Bradley Barcola has provided promising moments, including a recovery that sent him through on goal at Brentford and a turnover that led to his assist for Alexander Isak against Brighton.

Even so, Liverpool have produced shots from only 16.7% of their recoveries in the final 40 yards of the pitch. That is below the league average of 18.4% and the seventh-worst rate in the Premier League. Improving that conversion would give Iraola’s side a more direct route to chances.

Big chances make up 18.1% of Premier League shots this season but account for 59.5% of the goals. Liverpool’s prospects in Iraola’s first campaign will depend heavily on their ability to create them more regularly, particularly when opponents defend deep and deny space around the penalty area.

Sources: The Guardian Sport.