Liverpool have scored 11 Premier League goals in nine matches this season — two fewer than newly promoted Ipswich Town and one more than Manchester United — as their high-priced attacking unit continues to underdeliver.
The Reds’ offensive drought was evident in Sunday’s 1-0 home loss to Arsenal. It marked the first time since 2003–04 that Liverpool failed to record a shot on target at Anfield in a Premier League match. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta called the statistic “incredible” and “remarkable,” though he noted Liverpool applied pressure — including 28 touches in Arsenal’s penalty area during the first half, the most by any team against Arsenal in the opening period of a Premier League match since 2008–09.
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Liverpool’s attacking numbers have dropped significantly from last season. After nine league games in 2025–26, they created 24 big chances and ranked second in the league. This season, they rank 19th with seven big chances. They have completed 90 passes into the penalty area, down from 115, and 137 carries ending in the attacking penalty area, down from 167. Their four Premier League goals at Anfield are tied for their fewest after five home matches in a top-flight campaign — matching totals from 1913–14 and 2012–13.
Liverpool have scored 12 goals across three UEFA Champions League matches this season. Manager Andoni Iraola said he does not know why the team scores more in Europe, adding that differences in opposition quality and match dynamics matter more than competition format. Forward Bradley Barcola told Téléfoot the Premier League presents a greater physical challenge than Ligue 1 and is less technical — a distinction that may help explain why he and Florian Wirtz produce more consistently in continental fixtures.
Liverpool’s first-choice attackers — Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola, and Cody Gakpo — cost over $500 million. None registered a goal or assist against Arsenal. Wirtz recorded an expected assists value of 0.06 and was substituted while Liverpool trailed. Isak had 26 touches and completed 12 of 16 passes. Barcola’s impact diminished after a strong first half.
Structural adjustments remain ongoing. Teen midfielder Trey Nyoni made his first league start and led all players with 53 completed passes and 14 line-breaking passes in 59 minutes. Full-back Milos Kerkez shows effort but lacks ball quality; loanee Ronald Araújo strengthens defense but contributes little offensively as a natural center-back.
Iraola is 14 games into his Liverpool tenure. France international Hugo Ekitike is expected to return from an Achilles injury later this season. Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai told Viaplay after the Arsenal match: “Some days it feels like we are at the top, and some days it feels like we are not even close. It takes time to be at the top, I think.”
Photo: Werner100359 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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