A closer examination of Arne Slot's reasoning behind Liverpool's struggles this season reveals a mix of missed opportunities, injuries, and VAR controversies. Following the team's Champions League exit to Paris St-Germain, Slot lamented the Reds' lack of clinical edge, citing 1.92 Expected Goals without finding the net at Anfield. He noted that this was just one of many instances where Liverpool failed to capitalize on numerous chances, underperforming in terms of xG throughout the season. In the Champions League, Liverpool's scoring record was indeed below par, with 24 goals from 27.8xG, the largest underperformance among quarter-finalists.
However, their Premier League xG conversion rate was less damning, with a goals total only 0.65 below their xG total. The team's inability to convert big chances has been particularly costly, with 59 missed clear-cut openings in the top flight.
Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have been among the most notable culprits, missing 11 and 7 big chances, respectively. The absence of key players due to injury, including Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni, has further hindered the team's progress.
Slot also expressed frustration with VAR decisions, citing several instances where the officials' interventions went against his side. Despite these challenges, the manager remains optimistic about the team's future, given the quality of young players like Ryan Gravenberch, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz.
With six games left in the Premier League campaign, Slot is under pressure to secure a top-five finish and Champions League qualification for next season.