Liverpool have once again found themselves on the wrong side of an unwanted statistic. The Reds have become the first reigning Premier League champions to concede 17 goals in their opening 11 league matches since — surprisingly — their own title-defending season in 2020–21. It’s a statistic that highlights the inconsistency that has crept back into a team once known for its near-perfect defensive discipline.
Back in their dominant 2019–20 campaign, Liverpool were an unshakable force, built on the solid foundations of Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and a reliable defensive unit. However, this season’s figures tell a different story. Conceding 17 goals in just 11 matches is an alarming sign that their backline has lost some of its old solidity. Opponents have found it far easier to break through, often exploiting defensive lapses and moments of disorganization.
The comparison to the 2020–21 season is particularly striking. That was the year Liverpool’s title defense was derailed by a series of key injuries, most notably to Van Dijk and Joe Gomez. History seems to be repeating itself — not necessarily in terms of injuries, but in defensive vulnerability. While their attack remains one of the most feared in Europe, the team’s balance between offense and defense appears to be faltering once again.
Fans and pundits alike have begun to question whether Liverpool’s high-pressing style and full-throttle football have left them too exposed at the back. The statistics serve as a warning sign — that even the best teams in the league can’t afford to lose focus or structure. If Liverpool are to truly defend their crown and remain title contenders, they must rediscover the defensive sharpness and composure that once made them so difficult to break down.
