Liverpool's recent win at Bournemouth was built on a solid defensive performance, with the team keeping their third consecutive clean sheet in the Premier League. This is the first time Liverpool have achieved this feat since September 2024. The team's defence has been impressive under the management of Andoni Iraola, who took over as Liverpool manager recently. Iraola's side have not conceded an expected goal (xG) of more than 0.76 in any of their last three league games.
The win at Bournemouth was secured by a goal from Swedish forward Alexander Isak, who has now scored four goals this season. Isak's performance was praised by Iraola, who highlighted the importance of his contribution to the team's attacking play. Despite struggling to find his rhythm in the first half, Isak improved in the second half and helped Liverpool secure the win. The team's victory was also built on the back of a strong defensive performance, with goalkeeper Alisson and centre-back Virgil van Dijk being superb.
One of the key positives of Liverpool's campaign so far has been the emergence of 21-year-old defender Jeremy Jacquet. Jacquet has started every Premier League game since making a £60m move from Rennes in the summer and has been impressive in his performances. He has been praised by Van Dijk, who highlighted his potential and adaptability to the Premier League. Jacquet is poised to make his France debut over the international break after receiving a call-up from boss Zinedine Zidane.
Iraola has made a positive start to life at Liverpool, with the team remaining unbeaten in all competitions. He has won two and drawn three of his first five league games in charge, making him the first manager to achieve this feat since Joe Fagan in September 1983. Iraola has emphasized the importance of adapting to the team's schedule, which is set to become increasingly demanding over the next few weeks. The team will need to be ready to face top-four teams and compete in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
Despite the positive start, Iraola has acknowledged that there are still areas for improvement, particularly in attack. Cody Gakpo was impressive against Bournemouth, but Florian Wirtz struggled and Bradley Barcola is still awaiting his first goal or assist for Liverpool. Iraola has emphasized the importance of his attackers contributing to the team's performance and has expressed confidence in their ability to improve.
Iraola has also highlighted the importance of his team's defensive solidity, which has been a key factor in their success so far. He has praised the connections between his defenders, including Van Dijk, Jacquet, Ronald Araujo, and Milos Kerkez, who have been getting more solid with each game. The team's defence has been helped by the experience and leadership of Van Dijk and Alisson, who have been superb in their performances.
Looking ahead, Iraola has emphasized the need for his team to be ready for the demanding schedule that lies ahead. The team will face top-four teams and compete in the Champions League and Carabao Cup over the next few weeks. Iraola has expressed confidence in his team's ability to adapt and improve, and has emphasized the importance of his players being ready to contribute to the team's success.
Key points
- Liverpool's defence has been solid under Andoni Iraola, with three consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League.
