Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest is the sort of Premier League game that becomes more interesting the longer you spend looking at the numbers.
At first glance, Liverpool controlled it. They had 69% possession, attempted 631 passes and completed 562 at an impressive 89%. Nottingham Forest attempted only 288 passes, completing 193 at 67%.
Liverpool also had 13 shots to Forest’s 12 and four efforts on target to three.
Yet Forest produced 2.30 expected goals to Liverpool’s 1.75, recorded five big chances to Liverpool’s one and actually had more touches inside the opposition penalty area, 23 to 21.
That is an extraordinary collection of numbers for a team with only 31% of the ball.
For me, this is where the early challenge facing Andoni Iraola becomes clear. Liverpool are beginning to resemble the side he wants them to become, particularly in their willingness to stretch the pitch and attack with numbers. Their control of possession currently offers too little protection when moves break down.
Forest understood that vulnerability extremely well.
