Liverpool 2018/19
Liverpool have been the epitome of the near miss in the Premier League and we were not short of choices when picking a season in which they nearly crossed the line. Notable mentions must go to the 2008/09 and 2013/14 seasons where they finished second on both occasions, ultimately succumbing to the superior Manchester sides. However, the most recent 2018/19 season was unique, and this Liverpool team will be remembered for their brilliance alongside Manchester City in the run-in. Ninety-seven points is no mean feat and we ask the question why and how this team eventually fell agonisingly short.
THE OVERALL NUMEBRS
In terms of why Liverpool could and perhaps should have won the Premier League, a good place to start is the numbers that illustrate their success. The 97 points which they amassed is the third best Premier League points total, behind only Manchester City’s 100 and 98 points in consecutive seasons from 2017/18 to 2018/19. In addition to this, the defensive statistics were markedly improved from previous seasons under the leadership of Jürgen Klopp. For example, in the previous two seasons before the 2018/19 campaign, Liverpool had conceded 42 and 38 goals across the campaign respectively. When put up against the 22 goals conceded and 21 clean sheets in the 2018/19 campaign, it clearly demonstrates the substantial improvement in defensive performance.
TRANSFER POLICY AND LEARNING FROM MISTAKES
This newfound defensive solidity in 2018/19 season was in the making during the previous campaign. The signing of Virgil Van Dijk for £75 million in January 2018 (setting the new world record transfer fee for a defender) sparked belief in Liverpool’s ability to build a sustainable challenge for the Premier League title once more. Evidence of this is shown by the 4th placed finish and heart-shattering loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Kiev. Liverpool sensed an opportunity to capitalise with a team that was growing in their ability to challenge for the top prizes once more.
THE OVERALL NUMEBRS
In terms of why Liverpool could and perhaps should have won the Premier League, a good place to start is the numbers that illustrate their success. The 97 points which they amassed is the third best Premier League points total, behind only Manchester City’s 100 and 98 points in consecutive seasons from 2017/18 to 2018/19. In addition to this, the defensive statistics were markedly improved from previous seasons under the leadership of Jürgen Klopp. For example, in the previous two seasons before the 2018/19 campaign, Liverpool had conceded 42 and 38 goals across the campaign respectively. When put up against the 22 goals conceded and 21 clean sheets in the 2018/19 campaign, it clearly demonstrates the substantial improvement in defensive performance.
TRANSFER POLICY AND LEARNING FROM MISTAKES
This newfound defensive solidity in 2018/19 season was in the making during the previous campaign. The signing of Virgil Van Dijk for £75 million in January 2018 (setting the new world record transfer fee for a defender) sparked belief in Liverpool’s ability to build a sustainable challenge for the Premier League title once more. Evidence of this is shown by the 4th placed finish and heart-shattering loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Kiev. Liverpool sensed an opportunity to capitalise with a team that was growing in their ability to challenge for the top prizes once more.
Salah celebrates with Van Dijk after scoring in their 2018/19 season opener against West Ham
The addition of another ‘transformer’, the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson, was a true statement of intent, especially given the disastrous performance of the outgoing goalkeeper Loris Karius in Kiev. Furthermore, Michael Edwards (sporting director) was able to secure the signature of highly rated defensive midfielder Fabinho, ahead of various European suitors. Ultimately, the genius of Liverpool’s transfer policy helped them finally capitalise on the opportunity to secure a seat at the top of the European table. This is an achievement that should be widely applauded given that this is something that has proved particularly troublesome for the club in the past.
In past seasons where Liverpool have been tantalisingly close to success, they have seemingly backtracked at a time of strength. Benitez’s team of 2008/09, which finished second behind Manchester United, was one littered with quality, and Gary Neville noted that ‘the team only needed one or two more to become Premier League champions.’ Instead, Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso (who were such a key part of their success) departed the following summer, and the levels of Liverpool’s flamboyant talisman Fernando Torres began to decline. Alongside this, the 2013/14 team went even closer, with the main goal scoring output coming from the controversial, but brilliant figure of Luis Suárez. Suárez was able to score an incredible 31 goals in 33 appearances. However, Liverpool continued to make the same mistakes from the past as they subsequently sold Suárez in the summer of 2014. The seasons after the 2008/09 and 2013/14 campaigns led to sharp declines in Liverpool’s progress and they were not to repeat these mistakes under the new owners. Fenway Sports Group and the talented Michael Edwards ensured that Liverpool would finally seize their chance to build a world class team.
KLOPPAGE TIME
In terms of Liverpool’s on the pitch performance, they were able to match the ambition and success off the pitch which characterises the club. One of Liverpool’s great qualities in the 2018/19 was their ability to maintain their intensity to the final whistle, in order to relentlessly grind out the results that they desperately needed. This led to a flurry of crucial late goals and Klopp lauding the mindset of his players by labelling his team as ‘mentality monsters.’ Their persistence and will to win is something that is instilled by their charismatic German leader and is perhaps overlooked when analysing the brilliance of this team.
Examples of the Liverpool late show were evident throughout the season, giving the Anfield faithful increasing belief that it was going to be their breakthrough year. This includes Daniel Sturridge’s magnificent long-range effort to gain a point at Chelsea in the 89th minute. In addition to this, there was Divock Origi’s dramatic 96th minute winner at the hands of their local rivals Everton and Jordan Pickford. In fact, in the final nine matches of the 2018/19 season, Liverpool scored nine goals in the last 10 minutes of the matches played. The late winners against Tottenham and Newcastle were also particularly important and, once more, showcased the level of Liverpool’s mental fortitude.
In past seasons where Liverpool have been tantalisingly close to success, they have seemingly backtracked at a time of strength. Benitez’s team of 2008/09, which finished second behind Manchester United, was one littered with quality, and Gary Neville noted that ‘the team only needed one or two more to become Premier League champions.’ Instead, Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso (who were such a key part of their success) departed the following summer, and the levels of Liverpool’s flamboyant talisman Fernando Torres began to decline. Alongside this, the 2013/14 team went even closer, with the main goal scoring output coming from the controversial, but brilliant figure of Luis Suárez. Suárez was able to score an incredible 31 goals in 33 appearances. However, Liverpool continued to make the same mistakes from the past as they subsequently sold Suárez in the summer of 2014. The seasons after the 2008/09 and 2013/14 campaigns led to sharp declines in Liverpool’s progress and they were not to repeat these mistakes under the new owners. Fenway Sports Group and the talented Michael Edwards ensured that Liverpool would finally seize their chance to build a world class team.
KLOPPAGE TIME
In terms of Liverpool’s on the pitch performance, they were able to match the ambition and success off the pitch which characterises the club. One of Liverpool’s great qualities in the 2018/19 was their ability to maintain their intensity to the final whistle, in order to relentlessly grind out the results that they desperately needed. This led to a flurry of crucial late goals and Klopp lauding the mindset of his players by labelling his team as ‘mentality monsters.’ Their persistence and will to win is something that is instilled by their charismatic German leader and is perhaps overlooked when analysing the brilliance of this team.
Examples of the Liverpool late show were evident throughout the season, giving the Anfield faithful increasing belief that it was going to be their breakthrough year. This includes Daniel Sturridge’s magnificent long-range effort to gain a point at Chelsea in the 89th minute. In addition to this, there was Divock Origi’s dramatic 96th minute winner at the hands of their local rivals Everton and Jordan Pickford. In fact, in the final nine matches of the 2018/19 season, Liverpool scored nine goals in the last 10 minutes of the matches played. The late winners against Tottenham and Newcastle were also particularly important and, once more, showcased the level of Liverpool’s mental fortitude.
Origi wheels away after scoring the winner in the Merseyside derby
THE NEW STYLE
When analysing the style and tactics of this Liverpool side, many point to the irresistible press and energy of the front three. However, Klopp’s style changed for this season and ultimately sacrificed aspects of their swashbuckling pressing game. As already mentioned, Liverpool’s defensive numbers were extremely impressive, but their newfound ‘half press’ adopted by Klopp aided a more pragmatic foundation in the search for more consistent results.
Klopp’s football has often been described as ‘organised chaos,’ but Klopp realised that Liverpool’s transition from ‘good to great’ required more control and pragmatism. The key changes that were notable during the season were the patience in the midfield build-up play, the reduction in the press of the front three and the growing importance of the full backs on either side.
The role of Fabinho was vital in Klopp’s more controlled system, however he originally found it tough to find a place in the side, and only gained his first league start in October. Pep Lijnders (assistant manager) identified the difficulty of adapting to the Klopp style of play in an interview in February 2019, by noting that ‘to adapt to the intensity of our play, that takes time.’ Yet, when he found a regular starting place in the team, he did not relinquish it and became an indispensable part of Liverpool’s tactical setup. In the same interview, Lijnders noted that teams were more likely to sit off and invite pressure from Liverpool given the nature of their transition and counter attacks. This would result in greater Liverpool possession throughout the season and gave the role of a calming midfield influence like Fabinho extra importance. Lijnders acknowledges this by stating that ‘his timing, his vision, his calmness, it gives another dimension to our midfield play.’
The ‘half press’ which Klopp implemented during the 2018/19 season led to a drop in the intensity of the press by the front three in the hope of reserving energy for the latter part of the season. A perfect example of this is that they regained possession in the final third 4.1 times in 2018/19, in comparison to the 4.5 they achieved in the previous campaign. Their passes per match increased, further adding to the idea of tactical control and a more measured approach to provide more consistency. Liverpool’s downfall in previous seasons was always the teams that defended deep and restricted the space in forward areas. Through Klopp’s new approach, this Liverpool team weren’t pressing as intensely and becoming more patient and creative in possession so that they could break down the low block.
TACTICAL FLEXIBILITY AND THE MODERN FULL BACK
Liverpool’s tactical flexibility also helped this process. The use of the 4-2-3-1 system, alongside the more well-known 4-3-3, provided them with different options to break down these defensive sides. The 4-3-3 provided more defensive solidity and the 4-2-3-1 allowed the front four to express themselves in a system that advocates width and creativity. The word creativity was a key aspect to this new Liverpool style, especially given the void left by Phillipe Coutinho after his departure to Barcelona. However, Klopp’s tactical flexibility and unpredictability led to a team even more effective than the one which included the Brazilian. In fact, Liverpool only dropped four points all season against the teams below the so called ‘big six.’
When analysing the style and tactics of this Liverpool side, many point to the irresistible press and energy of the front three. However, Klopp’s style changed for this season and ultimately sacrificed aspects of their swashbuckling pressing game. As already mentioned, Liverpool’s defensive numbers were extremely impressive, but their newfound ‘half press’ adopted by Klopp aided a more pragmatic foundation in the search for more consistent results.
Klopp’s football has often been described as ‘organised chaos,’ but Klopp realised that Liverpool’s transition from ‘good to great’ required more control and pragmatism. The key changes that were notable during the season were the patience in the midfield build-up play, the reduction in the press of the front three and the growing importance of the full backs on either side.
The role of Fabinho was vital in Klopp’s more controlled system, however he originally found it tough to find a place in the side, and only gained his first league start in October. Pep Lijnders (assistant manager) identified the difficulty of adapting to the Klopp style of play in an interview in February 2019, by noting that ‘to adapt to the intensity of our play, that takes time.’ Yet, when he found a regular starting place in the team, he did not relinquish it and became an indispensable part of Liverpool’s tactical setup. In the same interview, Lijnders noted that teams were more likely to sit off and invite pressure from Liverpool given the nature of their transition and counter attacks. This would result in greater Liverpool possession throughout the season and gave the role of a calming midfield influence like Fabinho extra importance. Lijnders acknowledges this by stating that ‘his timing, his vision, his calmness, it gives another dimension to our midfield play.’
The ‘half press’ which Klopp implemented during the 2018/19 season led to a drop in the intensity of the press by the front three in the hope of reserving energy for the latter part of the season. A perfect example of this is that they regained possession in the final third 4.1 times in 2018/19, in comparison to the 4.5 they achieved in the previous campaign. Their passes per match increased, further adding to the idea of tactical control and a more measured approach to provide more consistency. Liverpool’s downfall in previous seasons was always the teams that defended deep and restricted the space in forward areas. Through Klopp’s new approach, this Liverpool team weren’t pressing as intensely and becoming more patient and creative in possession so that they could break down the low block.
TACTICAL FLEXIBILITY AND THE MODERN FULL BACK
Liverpool’s tactical flexibility also helped this process. The use of the 4-2-3-1 system, alongside the more well-known 4-3-3, provided them with different options to break down these defensive sides. The 4-3-3 provided more defensive solidity and the 4-2-3-1 allowed the front four to express themselves in a system that advocates width and creativity. The word creativity was a key aspect to this new Liverpool style, especially given the void left by Phillipe Coutinho after his departure to Barcelona. However, Klopp’s tactical flexibility and unpredictability led to a team even more effective than the one which included the Brazilian. In fact, Liverpool only dropped four points all season against the teams below the so called ‘big six.’
Salah celebrates scoring in Liverpool's 2-0 home win against Chelsea
In understanding the system of the 2018/19 Liverpool team, you must look at the role of Trent Alexander Arnold and Andy Robertson, who encapsulate everything about the modern full back. When analysing Klopp’s 4-3-3 which he favoured during the run in, full back creativity was at a premium. This is due to the positioning of the front three who turned the shape into a 4-4-2 diamond, with the wingers taking up striker positions and Firmino occupying the number ten role. Within this shape, the narrowness of the front three allowed the full backs to occupy positions higher up the pitch and act as wing backs. With the two strikers coming from wide positions, opposition teams had to closely track these two, which in turn left space for Firmino in the half space but also for the wing backs. The result of the freedom allowed by Klopp to the two full backs was a double-digit assist return for both players. Alexander Arnold’s 12 assists was a new record for defenders in the Premier League.
THE CITY PROBLEM
Even though Liverpool amassed 97 points and were outstanding for several reasons, they ultimately fell short to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Klopp’s men experienced a dip in form from the end of January to the beginning of March where they drew four out of six games. People point to this as a reason for the title ending up in City’s hands, however a more obvious reason for City’s success can be seen through their 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool in January. Sané’s 72nd minute winner proved decisive in the outcome of the title and the game was settled by the finest of margins. John Stones’ goal line clearance in the first half could be the ultimate metaphor for Liverpool and their search for Premier League success. When Stones cleared the ball, it was 1.12 cm away from fully crossing the line and was made with the score at 0-0. Liverpool were to be denied and succumbed to their only defeat of the season where their lead was cut from seven points to four.
Manchester City’s brilliance in the run in cannot be ignored. They were able to win their last 14 games after they had lost to Newcastle 2-1, having fallen four points behind Liverpool with one more game played. Therefore, we should seek perspective when analysing Liverpool in this season. Although they did experience a wobble around February time, they were able to regain their form and were perfect for the last nine games. The chances of Man City winning their last 14 games was improbable and the way in which they did it is unmatched in the context of past Premier League run-ins. In the long run, this title race will be one remembered for the perfection and sustained brilliance of both teams, under the immense pressure of the reward awaiting them.
One should seek to find a silver lining when analysing a team that has gone so close. In the same season, Liverpool were able to achieve European success with a sixth Champions League title. Furthermore, Liverpool have added no senior players to their team for the current 2019/20 season, and currently sit 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League. Manchester City’s levels have dramatically dropped from the 2018/19 season and have allowed Klopp’s men to run away with the league comprehensively. Although the coronavirus has halted their inevitable title success, they will eventually be awarded the title one way or another, and their 30-year wait for a league title will finally be over.
THE CITY PROBLEM
Even though Liverpool amassed 97 points and were outstanding for several reasons, they ultimately fell short to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Klopp’s men experienced a dip in form from the end of January to the beginning of March where they drew four out of six games. People point to this as a reason for the title ending up in City’s hands, however a more obvious reason for City’s success can be seen through their 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool in January. Sané’s 72nd minute winner proved decisive in the outcome of the title and the game was settled by the finest of margins. John Stones’ goal line clearance in the first half could be the ultimate metaphor for Liverpool and their search for Premier League success. When Stones cleared the ball, it was 1.12 cm away from fully crossing the line and was made with the score at 0-0. Liverpool were to be denied and succumbed to their only defeat of the season where their lead was cut from seven points to four.
Manchester City’s brilliance in the run in cannot be ignored. They were able to win their last 14 games after they had lost to Newcastle 2-1, having fallen four points behind Liverpool with one more game played. Therefore, we should seek perspective when analysing Liverpool in this season. Although they did experience a wobble around February time, they were able to regain their form and were perfect for the last nine games. The chances of Man City winning their last 14 games was improbable and the way in which they did it is unmatched in the context of past Premier League run-ins. In the long run, this title race will be one remembered for the perfection and sustained brilliance of both teams, under the immense pressure of the reward awaiting them.
One should seek to find a silver lining when analysing a team that has gone so close. In the same season, Liverpool were able to achieve European success with a sixth Champions League title. Furthermore, Liverpool have added no senior players to their team for the current 2019/20 season, and currently sit 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League. Manchester City’s levels have dramatically dropped from the 2018/19 season and have allowed Klopp’s men to run away with the league comprehensively. Although the coronavirus has halted their inevitable title success, they will eventually be awarded the title one way or another, and their 30-year wait for a league title will finally be over.
Jordan Henderson holds the Champions League trophy aloft following a 2-0 win against Tottenham in Kiev
Written by - Will Murray
Edited by - 3-At-The-Back
Edited by - 3-At-The-Back