Could Liverpool actually be better without their superstar Mohamed Salah? It's a question that might sound like sacrilege to some, but the numbers this season are starting to paint a very intriguing picture. Let's dive into the Anfield analysis and see what the stats really say.
Liverpool's recent form has been undeniably impressive. They're on a stellar run, and even a tough 0-0 draw against Arsenal in North London showcases their resilience. This comes after a shaky period in November, and it seems Arne Slot's team is finally finding its rhythm. Their upcoming FA Cup match against Barnsley is a prime opportunity to continue this momentum, provided they avoid any complacency that could lead to a major upset. Successfully navigating this tie would mark an impressive eleventh consecutive game without a loss.
But here's where it gets controversial... This resurgent Liverpool squad looks noticeably different. Of course, there are the new signings Slot brought in over the summer. But there's a more striking absence: Mohamed Salah. Due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and a dip in form beforehand that saw him spending more time on the bench, Liverpool has been without their Egyptian talisman for a significant stretch. And, to the astonishment of many, the team's performance seems to have improved during his absence. Is this just a coincidence, or is there something more to it?
Salah has missed seven Premier League games this season, and Liverpool has remained undefeated in all of them. Now, it's true that some results were less than ideal – the 2-2 draw against Fulham and collecting only two points from two games against Leeds, for example. But, during this same period, they secured impressive victories against West Ham, Tottenham, and Wolves. Not to mention that unexpected draw away to Arsenal. And this is the part most people miss... Liverpool has only drawn one league game with Salah in the lineup this season, but has lost six of the fourteen Premier League games he started or appeared in as a substitute.
Let's crunch the numbers and see the stark contrast. When we compare Liverpool's stats with and without Salah, some compelling trends emerge. The team is conceding fewer goals and scoring slightly more when he's not on the pitch. But the most significant statistic? Their points-per-game average has increased by a staggering 18% when Salah is absent! To visualize this, imagine Liverpool's position in the league table. After the first 12 matchdays, with Salah playing every minute, they were languishing in twelfth place. Since then, Salah has only played twice in nine league games, and Liverpool has dramatically climbed to fourth in the table.
Whether Salah's absence is the cause of Liverpool's improved form is definitely up for debate. And considering his incredible contributions to Liverpool over the years, it's understandable that many fans are reluctant to consider keeping him out of the starting XI for long. After all, he is one of the best players in the world, and his goal-scoring record speaks for itself. This suggests that his absence might be due to a change of tactics which allows the team to play more freely. But something has clearly clicked for Slot's team recently.
So, what happens when Salah returns from international duty? Will Slot stick with the winning formula he's found, or will he try to reintegrate his biggest star? Can he find a way to balance the team's newfound success with Salah's undeniable talent? This is the crucial question facing Liverpool, and the answer could define their season. What do you think? Should Liverpool change their tactics to accommodate Salah, or should they stick with what's been working? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
