Chris

Context should always come before analysis Not sure why but it seems to be lacking for Liverpool after the Brentford win Brentford haven’t lost at home since February & only lost 3 games at home last season Statistically & practically the most likely situation for a top team to underperform & drop points is - away Weds CL then - away PL Sat This comes off the back of City on Sunday, across the week various absences to Gakpo, Isak, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch suspension, Bradley, Ekitike, Leoni long term, then 2 in game injuries before 60 mins. A new head coach, inexperienced young players in every department of the team Brentford are good. Not having Collins & Schade only from bench was a boost for Liverpool. All the same Brentford are really good, played well & are extremely well set up by Keith Andrews with lots of variety in his use of subs and in game tactical changes The red card huge Does that mean Liverpool were perfect? Of course not Does it mean there shouldn’t be any analysis? Of course not Iraola’s set up for building out vs a press (especially man v man) this season as a whole The central midfield set up The first line press - one of his pressing set ups at Bournemouth - was to allow a 5 v 3 build up (including opposition keeper) allowing a spare man in his own back line - that has pro’s and con’s of course & when & where he uses it worthy of analysing why In terms of analysing this game though some of the post match commentary seems quite ridiculous After 2-1 Liverpool were blowing up physically & mentally. Barcola was upside down. That last chance is a mess as he should wrap it with his left foot but he’s totally goosed Liverpool rolled their sleeves up and showed great collective attitude throughout Loads of opportunities to feel sorry for themselves and they didn’t 1st half 11 v 11 - save for the final action in and around the box - I thought Liverpool were excellent. Brentford have 6 shots, very few threatening movements and Liverpool dominate territory for long periods. Barcola carrying threat & MacAllister everywhere. If anyone was expecting peak technical performances with the background coming in vs this Brentford team I think that is an unreasonable expectation Analysis surely has to start with the wider context 1st half pass network @Statsbomb ⬇️