Jimi

It wasn't the most convincing win vs Southampton, but #LFC found the way (again) to get the all important 3 points and they're 8 points clear at the top of the Premier League table! 🔥

#SOULIV - a tactical analysis. 🧐

🧵 Thread 

As @FotMob's Expected Threat timeline shows, Liverpool dominated almost the whole match, apart from the end of the 1st &amp; 2nd half. xT is a great underlying metric and highlights how relentless Liverpool was. 👇 

In terms of shots (7-27), shots on target (5-11), npxG (0.3-1.8) and touches in the box (17-51), Liverpool were much more active and creative in the final 3rd and deservedly won this crucial match. [visual by @FotMob] 💪 

Russel Martin's SOU defended in a 5-4-1 low-block and tried to direct Liverpool to the wings. It worked quite well in the 1st half as LFC created only 0.58 npxG an 19 touches inside the box, but Slot's team improved a lot in the 2nd half (1.22 npxG &amp; 32 touches in the box). 👀 

Liverpool's well-oiled and perfectly coordinated high pressing caused so many problems to Southampton in the build-up phase. As this scene below shows, LFC had 5 players inside the box - #Szoboszlai intercepted Downes' risky pass brilliantly and scored a beautiful goal. 👏 

Like @markrstats fantastic visual indicates, Konaté &amp; VVD were the most active in progression via passes while Gakpo created the most progression via his carries. Gakpo deserves every credit as he completed 27/29 passes (93%), had 3 shots, 47 touches &amp; 2/2 successful dribbles. 👌 

Yes, LFC conceded 2 goals, but overall, they defended quite very well as Southampton only created 0.25 xG from open-play during the match! Slot's usual 4-2-3-1 system without the ball was organised and solid again. 🛡️

16/18 wins from Slot so far, what a start he has made! 🔥 