Visualized: Liverpool 5-0 Huddersfield

Previous Match Infographics: Cardiff (a), Porto (A), Chelsea (h), Porto (h), Southampton (a), Tottenham (h), Fulham (a), Bayern Munich (a), Burnley (h), Everton (a), Watford (h), Manchester United (a), Bayern Munich (h), Bournemouth (h) West Ham (a), Leicester (h), Crystal Palace (h), Brighton (a), Manchester City (a), Arsenal (h), Newcastle (h), Wolves (a), Manchester Utd (h), Napoli (h), Bournemouth (a), Burnley, Everton (h), Paris St-Germain (a), Watford (a), Fulham (h), Arsenal (a), Cardiff (h), Red Star Belgrade (h), Huddersfield (a), Manchester City (h), Napoli (a), Chelsea (a), Southampton (h), Leicester (a), Brighton (h), Crystal Palace (a), West Ham (h)

Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app. 



That's what Liverpool can do against a deep but not particularly organized defense.

We complain about deep defenses all the time. Sometimes Liverpool finds a breakthrough because of the magic front three. As against Chelsea or, to a lesser extent, Fulham in the last month. Sometimes it's set plays, as at Cardiff last week. Sometimes it's luck, as with Origi against Everton.

And sometimes that deep defense just isn't good enough.

It's been awhile since we've seen those long poke, prod, and pass sequences leading to goals. We got three of them on Friday. Liverpool's second goal saw 22 passes over more than a minute, the third 12 passes, the fifth 20 passes. Liverpool pushed and pulled Huddersfield around before delivering a stiletto between shoulder blades time and time again.

It wasn't blitzkrieg. It wasn't set plays. It was jab, jab, jab, jab, uppercut. It's nice to be reminded that Liverpool can still do so when the opportunity presents.

Look at how damned open Liverpool players were for the final ball.



Mané probably shouldn't have that much space between center-backs. And maybe get closer to Andy Robertson.



Yep, he's between defenders caught on the back foot again. And maybe get closer to Jordan Henderson.



At least Durm's watching Salah, about to make a run behind in the top left corner, but maybe somebody tell Kongolo that he might need to help here.

Of course, an early goal helps. The last time Liverpool scored in the first minute of a match was in the 5-1 win over Arsenal back in 2013-14, Skrtel hammering in Gerrard's free kick after 50 seconds – another five-goal romp. Scoring after 15 seconds is the quickest that Liverpool have struck in a match since 1984. It's probably not the best way for the worst side in the division to begin a match at Anfield.

And none of this is to take away from Liverpool's overall quality. Both in general play – the complete control of proceedings, the comfort at the back, – and in all five goals, both in chance creation and conversion. And the creation came from more of the same notes we've hit in recent weeks.

Those crosses though; Liverpool have scored 32 goals from crosses by my count so far this season. Assists from fullbacks; 66 of Liverpool's 104 goals in all competitions have been assisted, and Robertson and Alexander-Arnold are responsible of 24 of those 66. 36%, more than a third. Woof. And assists from Jordan Henderson, who's now got four plus a goal in his last 400 minutes. And an opening goal from pressing, thanks to an opponent who actually allowed Liverpool to press in the final third early on.

It was exactly what Liverpool can do, and what Liverpool wanted to do, from the absolute start to finish. Complete control, thankfully reflected in the score line. Assists from Liverpool's top creators, goals from Liverpool's top scorers. Another clean sheet for van Dijk – the newly minted PFA Player of the Year – Alisson, et al, and Lovren coming back into the side without issue. Continued improvement from Naby Keïta – another goal, a better understanding of Liverpool's pressing timing and rhythm, and Liverpool's top tackler with Fabinho rested – and a well-rounded midfield with Keïta both destroying and running from further forward, Henderson in a more advanced role, Wijnaldum more than capable as the #6, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returning after a year out.

It was as much as we could have hoped for, and almost as good as Liverpool can be, at this point of the season. With two league games left to play and a Champions League semi-final on Wednesday. Unfortunately, it may not be enough.

Visualized: Liverpool 1-0 Huddersfield Town

Previous Match Infographics: Manchester City (h), Napoli (a), Chelsea (a), Southampton (h), Leicester (a), Brighton (h), Crystal Palace (a), West Ham (h)

Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app. 



Will you be surprised if I spend the majority of this writing about Liverpool’s attack?

That’s what I thought.

Are we at the point where there’s legitimate cause for concern?

Liverpool have taken just four, seven, and 11 shots in their last three matches – at Napoli, against City, and at Huddersfield. Liverpool took 11 or fewer shots in just five league matches last season: City away, Tottenham at home, Everton away, West Brom away, and Chelsea away, with the last three in the final six weeks of the season, when far more focus was on the Champions League.

They’ve failed to create a clear-cut chance in all three of those matches. Liverpool never went more than a single match without a clear-cut chance last season, failing to register at least one in just two league matches all season.

The attack started out well enough. Goals and more goals against West Ham, good attacking performances against Palace, Brighton, and Tottenham without as much reward as we’d a right to expect. But it’s very much lessened over the last few weeks. Not only are more passes and shots going astray, build-up is slower, the press has lessened, and Liverpool simply aren’t getting the chances to which we’ve become accustomed.

Liverpool are averaging 14 shots per game so far this season; that average was 18.7 at this point last season. Granted, only two other teams average more per game – Chelsea and Manchester City – but an extra four shots a game certainly couldn’t hurt Liverpool’s potential output.

Huddersfield actually out-shot Liverpool on Saturday, which still amazes. Liverpool were out-shot by just one non-top-six side last season, the unlikely and unfortunate late-season 2-2 draw at West Brom where Liverpool threw away a two-goal lead after scoring very early.

And Huddersfield away is not Napoli away or City at home, even considering the rotation required in the front six. Liverpool aren’t taking enough shots, they’re not great shots, and far too many aren’t on target.

Liverpool put just two shots on-target on Saturday; that only happened in three league matches last season: Newcastle away, United away, and Stoke at home. Liverpool drew two of those and lost the other.

I doubt I need remind that Liverpool won on Saturday.

These complaints about the attack are somewhat moot when the defense is playing as well as it has. Sure, Huddersfield haven’t scored at home since April. They’ve scored all of four goals so far this season, through ten matches in all competitions. A better side could easily have taken advantage of Liverpool; better placed shots from Depoitre, Hogg’s effort off the woodwork, a narrow offside decision denying a goal. Even a different referee; I’d have been more than annoyed had Liverpool not gotten a penalty from that Milner handball situation.

But this remains a very impressive defense.

Huddersfield’s 13 shots were the most allowed by Liverpool in a league match so far this season. And those 13 shots had an Expected Goals total of 0.9 – an average of just 0.07 per shot. Which is not good. Yet another match without an opposition clear-cut chance, as against Southampton, Tottenham, Palace, and West Ham; even all-powerful Manchester City were limited to just one from the penalty spot, thankfully missed.

At this point last season, Liverpool had 15 points from their first nine games. They’d scored three against Watford and Leicester and four against Arsenal, as well as seven at Maribor in the Champions League, but they also conceded 16 goals – three against Watford, four at Tottenham, five at City – with just three clean sheets.

This season? Three goals conceded, six clean sheets. Three goals, in total.

Liverpool have conceded 25 goals in their last 38 league games - they last conceded as few in the 38 games up to 11/04/09. They last conceded fewer in the 38 games to 02/01/08.

— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) October 20, 2018

Just 25 league goals conceded since that 1-4 loss at Tottenham exactly a year ago, Liverpool’s best mark for 38 games in nearly a decade. Liverpool conceded double that in Klopp’s first 38 league games. No Premier League side has conceded fewer goals in the last year.



Through these nine league matches last season, Liverpool over performed their Expected Goals by five and a half, on pace for 18.5 xG but scoring 24. So far this season, Liverpool *should have* scored 17.3 but have actually scored 16. It hasn’t been great in theory or practice, but it’s not that far behind last season’s mark in these fixtures.

Then there’s the defense. Two fewer Expected Goals than in these matches last season, nine fewer actually conceded. The most improvement in matches against rivals, conceding seven at Tottenham and against City last season but just one in the two matches this season.

So, yeah, recent matches may not be as fun to watch. We ain’t getting the highs of last season. We haven’t gotten the riots, the blitzkriegs, the goals, the quickening pulse, the cardiac arrest. But we ain’t getting the lows either, thanks to an increased solidity at the back.

At least not yet.

Liverpool 1-0 Huddersfield

Goals:
Salah 24’

Probably shouldn’t complain about a win.

Probably shouldn’t complain when Liverpool hadn’t won their previous four matches.

Probably shouldn’t complain when Liverpool rotated the starting XI fairly heavily, with Shaqiri, Lallana, and Sturridge coming into the side, with Lallana wide left and Shaqiri in midfield.

Probably shouldn’t complain when Mohamed Salah’s back on the score sheet.

Probably shouldn’t complain that Liverpool still didn’t look anywhere near their best, especially in attack.

Probably shouldn’t complain that Huddersfield probably should have been level going into halftime, a flurry that saw Hogg nail the woodwork from long range, Billing nearly in on the break, a potential handball by Milner ignored, and the ball in the net but ruled out for offside.

Probably shouldn’t complain that neither side was especially good in the second half but that Huddersfield still felt the more likely. When they hadn’t scored at home since last April.

In all seriousness, that wasn’t good. It was further progression, or regression, of what we’ve seen for the majority of the season so far.

The defense is fine. They may have a fright or two, the opposition might pull a rabbit from a hat, but they’ll limit chances, especially good chances, and they’re odds on to keep a clean sheet, as they’ve done in six of nine league matches.

The midfield is still under-creative and seemingly already overworked. Henderson withdrawn at halftime for Wijnaldum – who might well have been Liverpool’s best player. Milner, just back from injury, off the pace and removed for Firmino with 15 minutes to play as Liverpool switched to 4-4-2. Keïta's probably out for at least another week or two. At least Fabinho got 30 minutes off the bench. At least Shaqiri was reasonably able to find space between the lines, most notably on the assist for Salah’s goal, but Shaqiri in midfield is part of the reason why Huddersfield could take the game to Liverpool for stretches. He ain’t defending much if it’s not pressing, at least not yet.

And then there’s the attack. It’s getting harder to write “they’ll click soon, they have to.” Sure, Salah scored and it was neat and fun, supplied by Shaqiri's throughball, first time from a tight angle with his weaker foot, perfectly placed into the far corner. Sure, he had Liverpool’s only other shot on-target, an unbelievable shift of the ball and stab at Lössl from close range in the 87th minute. Sure, Mané missed the match and Firmino only got 15 minutes and that front six hasn't played together often, whether talking about the starters or substitutes. Otherwise, ugh.

That Liverpool had just two shots on-target in the entire match, against a side they beat 3-0 in both meetings last season is probably a good place to start. Sturridge with a couple of curlers, another from Salah, Firmino from the top of the box – just off the top of my head chances that those players *usually* at least put on frame. And it ain't for the first time this season.

But it's deeper than that. It starts deeper than that. Interplay is not happening, whether during sustained build-up or counter-attacks. Flicks ain’t finding runners. Four on two on the break and players are picking the wrong option, mis-hit or intercepted with someone else in space. Dribblers are surrounded, dribblers run into defenders. Liverpool are also playing slower than usual, which seems so very unlike a Jürgen Klopp side but also has to be on purpose, whether due to having a lead or fitness levels or who the hell knows.

Two shots on-target is bad. Just 11 shots in total might well be worse.

There were elements of the Brighton game back in August in both result and quality of opposition, but Liverpool absolutely dominated that match, controlling tempo, tenor, and possession, denied time and again by a very deep and organized defense.

Huddersfield went toe-to-toe with Liverpool. Huddersfield out-shot Liverpool. Huddersfield created slightly more than Liverpool, with a higher Expected Goals total – even if neither side made it to 1.0 xG. Huddersfield almost certainly feels as if they deserved a draw.

But they didn’t get a draw. Liverpool won. Liverpool remain unbeaten in the league, now sitting on 23 points. Liverpool haven’t taken 23 points from the first nine league matches since 2008-09, and I suspect you remember that season. Liverpool remain level on points with Manchester City, only in second due to an increasingly large goal difference gap.

Probably shouldn’t complain about that.

But Liverpool still have to be better than this.

Liverpool at Huddersfield 10.20.18

12:30pm ET, live in the US on NBC

Last four head-to-head:
3-0 Liverpool (a) 01.30.18
3-0 Liverpool (h) 10.28.17
2-0 Liverpool (a; FA Cup) 12.12.99
1-0 Liverpool (a) 02.12.72

Last three matches:
Liverpool: 0-0 City (h); 0-1 Napoli (a); 1-1 Chelsea (a)
Huddersfield: 1-1 Burnley (a); 0-2 Tottenham (h); 1-3 Leicester (a)

Goal scorers (league):
Liverpool: Mané 4; Salah 3; Firmino, Sturridge 2; Matip, Milner, Wijnaldum 1
Huddersfield: Billing, Gorenc-Stankovic, Schindler, Zanka 1

Referee: Michael Oliver (LFC History) (WhoScored)

Guess at a line-up:
Alisson
Trent A-A Gomez van Dijk Robertson
Wijnaldum Henderson Milner
Salah Firmino Shaqiri

I love international breaks.

Sadio Mane has a broken thumb, undergoing surgery on Wednesday. Mo Salah supposedly re-injured his temperamental groin – yes, I’m aware that’s a euphemism doing a lot of work – and returned to Liverpool after Egypt’s first international match. Virgil van Dijk’s still dealing with that rib problem. Naby Keïta pulled his hamstring. And, even though I can’t blame the international break, James Milner is still recovering from a hamstring injury suffered against Manchester City.

Fun times were had by all.

It’s not completely bad news, though. Salah, Milner, and van Dijk all trained on Thursday, so there’s that. All should be available tomorrow, although I remain worried about all three. Liverpool do have quite a few games coming up in the next few weeks, even if most aren’t against the quality of opposition faced prior to the last break.

So guessing tomorrow’s XI isn’t the easiest. There’s the obvious, guessing everyone who could be available to play in the usual formation. There’s the protection option, leaving at least one or two of the questionable players on the bench – Both Shaqiri and Lallana could, in theory, play in midfield; Fabinho seems due for a start; Sturridge might be in the best form of any front six Liverpool players. And there’s the curveball, something like 4-4-2 with both Sturridge and Firmino up top or 4-2-3-1 with Shaqiri in the hole.

As per usual, your guess is as good as mine. And as usual, my guess is usually what’s been the most familiar, rotation be damned. More important, obviously, is that the Liverpool attack that’s still got decent underlying statistics actually turns those statistics into honest to goodness goals.

Meanwhile, Huddersfield. Who, um, are not very good. They’re in 18th place, ahead of only Newcastle and Cardiff. They’re yet to win this season, with three draws in the league. They’re out of the League Cup after losing to Stoke. And they’ve scored just four goals through nine matches in all competitions. Three of those four came from defenders. Three of the four came from set plays – a corner and two throw-ins – with the fourth coming from a lofted cross.

And Huddersfield have some injuries of their own. Kongolo’s definitely absent, while Löwe, Mooy, Billing, Williams, Smith, and Sobhi are all questionable. But all those questionable seem capable of playing if needed. So let’s guess that they will. Something like Lössl; Smith, Zanka, Schindler, Löwe; Hogg, Mooy; Kachunga, Pritchard, van la Parra; Depoitre. 4-2-3-1 is Huddersfield’s most frequent formation, but it is worth noting that Huddersfield have played three at the back a couple of times this season, including a recent 0-2 loss to Tottenham. However, three at the back often goes poorly for Liverpool’s opponents.

Even considering injuries and annoyances, the international break seemingly came at a decent time. Liverpool remain winless in four. Liverpool still aren’t firing in attack, even if they're still more than competent in defense. Liverpool needed the breathing space. We needed the breathing space.

And now, Liverpool have a run of very winnable matches, starting at Huddersfield, against opponents they beat 3-0 in both meetings last season, against opponents who’ve yet to win this season. Then Red Star Belgrade. Then Cardiff. Then to be fair, away at Arsenal, but followed by Red Star, Fulham, and Watford.

Liverpool made it through the first fifth of the season adequately. It could have been better. But it’s usually been worse. We’re calling joint-top with 20 from 24 points adequate, after playing three of last season’s top five in the first eight games.

Now to put the pedal to the floor. Sorry, Huddersfield.

Visualized: Liverpool 3-0 Huddersfield

Previous Match Infographics: Swansea (a), Manchester City (h), Everton (h), Burnley (a), Leicester (a), Swansea (h), Arsenal (a), Bournemouth (a), West Brom (h), Everton (h), Spartak Moscow (h), Brighton (a), Stoke (a), Chelsea (h), Sevilla (a), Southampton (h), West Ham (a), Maribor (h), Huddersfield (h), Tottenham (a), Maribor (a), United (h), Newcastle (a), Spartak Moscow (a), Leicester (a), Burnley (h), Sevilla (h), Manchester City (a), Arsenal (h), Hoffenheim (h), Crystal Palace (h), Hoffenheim (a), Watford (a)

Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app. 



(Here's the formation diagram usually included in match reviews.)

That's how games like this are supposed to go.

Liverpool did this to Huddersfield three months ago, so we probably shouldn't be too surprised, even after the two matches which preceded this. But I am pleased. Especially after the two matches which preceded this.

Liverpool's 911 attempted passes are, by far, the most I've seen since starting these infographics in 2012-13. As are the 811 completed passes. As are Matip's 161 attempted passes. Lovren's 140 attempted passes would have been the most if not for Matip's output yesterday.

That's a lot of passes. But we've seen Liverpool draw and lose matches when playing a lot of passes and having a lot of deep possession.

This, more importantly, was patient control, to the letter.

That patient control was possible because Liverpool saved Huddersfield's only shot on-target, Depoitre's effort in the 17th-minute. It wasn't the clearest chance, it wasn't the best-taken chance, but it was a chance. It was the first real chance of the game. It was a chance that Liverpool have given up in previous matches. It's the bare minimum you'd expect from a starting goalkeeper but I will absolutely take the bare minimum right now.

That patient control was possible because Liverpool scored early, didn't do anything stupid in the subsequent 20 minutes, then scored again. Which is exactly what didn't happen after the opener against West Brom.

The first goal's fortunate. A Liverpool cross headed out – which we saw too much of against both Swansea and West Brom – but headed out directly to Emre Can, whose shot is arrowed in via Billing's deflection. Somehow the clearance goes straight to Can, somehow Can not only hits its well but hits it exactly where it needs to go off the defender. Better to be lucky and good, etc etc.

The second goal's wonderful, for multiple reasons. Karius, sweeping out to get to a long ball first, rather than assuming Matip or Lovren would take care of it. A bit of the aforementioned patient control, poking and prodding and looking but not overambitious from Lovren, Henderson, Matip, Gomez, and Can. Then the opening: Matip to Milner to Robertson to Mané, Firmino taking it off the winger and charging behind a now disjointed back line, running into the box, to the byline before beating Lossl from literally no angle when the cutback wasn't on.

It's everything a game-killing second goal should be. From Karius' involvement to the initial passes to set up the move to Firmino and Mané's combination to Firmino's run then Firmino's awareness then Firmino's finish.

And the third goal's salt in the wounds, nail in the coffin. Belatedly. Liverpool continued to control the match in the second half, as Huddersfield had neither answers nor changes. Mané (twice) and Salah failed to convert clear-cut chances which came about as Liverpool increasingly opened Huddersfield up more than they had in the first half. Then, Can wins a penalty after about 90 seconds of sustained possession, getting the rebound from Salah's blocked shot then crashed into by Billing, and Salah converts it for his 26th goal of the season and yep we're done here.

Slowly turning the screws tighter and deeper. A small fright but then a Liverpool goal, continuing to play your game with little difficulty, second goal, even more control, a few better chances, no opposition chances at all, then third goal, then final whistle. It's everything a 3-0 away win against a bottom half side should be.

A special mention goes out to Liverpool's midfield. Liverpool's much criticized midfield.

First, Jordan Henderson's return to the side. Liverpool moved the ball quicker around the midfield, the poking and prodding which can be so frustrating, and Liverpool held its shape better when losing possession, not allowing Huddersfield literally any chances at counter-attacks. Henderson had a lot to do with both.

Liverpool were better against a deep team when Henderson came on against West Brom last weekend – more creative in the final 25 minutes than the 65 which came before – and Liverpool were assuredly better against a deep team with Henderson starting against Huddersfield. Henderson didn't start in the 0-0 against West Brom in December either, nor in the two losses last week. This is not entirely coincidence.

And then, Emre Can – playing further forward – who not only scored the opener and won the penalty for Liverpool's third, he led the team in key passes, level with Sadio Mané in creating four chances. Three crosses for Mané: a blocked header in the 45th minute then two for clear-cut chances, in the 54th and 69th minutes, followed by a layoff for Salah's blocked out-box shot in the 77th, seconds before winning the penalty, a move he made by again charging down the right flank.

The goal and penalty are obviously more important to the result, but I'm probably more impressed by the chance creation. Emre Can had averaged 0.87 key passes per 90 in all competitions going into the match. He'd created three chances in a match just once this season: the 2-1 win at Burnley. I suspect he's rarely led Liverpool in chances created, even jointly. It at least has not happened this season.

Now, I admit, Emre Can's primary role is not to create goals, especially since he's often been used as the deepest midfielder in place of Henderson, whether because the latter's rested or injured. But this midfield needs creativity. Desperately. And if Emre Can can provide at least a bit more than we've seen from that unit, I'm all for it.

Liverpool will obviously face much harder challenges. Even after conceding a first, then a second, Huddersfield still didn't come out, more afraid to be picked off on the break than wanting an immediate response against a side who often stumbles when the opposition responds. Huddersfield only had the one shot on-target, Huddersfield only had two shots in total until Liverpool scored its third. Huddersfield only had one corner, which didn't take place until the 89th minute.

But Huddersfield also played nearly the same style as Swansea did a week ago. A style which flummoxed and beat last week's Liverpool, but also a style which saw Liverpool fail to take multiple chances better than Liverpool's first two goals yesterday.

Statistically, the two matches looked fairly similar. The vast disparity in passes, possession, and shots, and what Expected Goals expected each side to get from the match.

Two away games, two similar xG profiles, two different results. It is a fickle fing, the finishing fairy pic.twitter.com/yTY0TSon5F

— 🔴⚽️🏈🏋️ (@lubomerkov) January 31, 2018

So, yeah, score some goals, smother the opposition. Play your game, not theirs. And don't do anything dumb. It's an easy sport, this.

This is what we needed to see after that failure against Swansea, and after the subsequent failure against West Brom. This is what was needed to get Liverpool back on track. But, of course, it's still just one match.

Liverpool at Huddersfield 01.30.18

3pm ET, live in the US on NBC Sports

Last four head-to-head:
3-0 Liverpool (h) 10.28.17
2-0 Liverpool (a; FA Cup) 12.12.99
1-0 Liverpool (a) 02.12.72
2-0 Liverpool (h) 10.23.71

Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-3 West Brom (h); 0-1 Swansea (a); 4-3 City (h)
Huddersfield: 1-1 Birmingham (h); 0-2 Stoke (a); 1-4 West Ham (h)

Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Salah 18; Firmino 10; Coutinho 7; Mané 6; Oxlade-Chamberlain 3; Sturridge 2; Alexander-Arnold, Can, Henderson, Klavan, Lovren, Matip, Wijnaldum 1
Huddersfield: Depoitre 5; Mooy, Mounie 4; Ince, Kachunga, Lolley, van la Parra 1

Referee: Kevin Friend (LFC History) (WhoScored)

Guess at a line-up:
Karius
Gomez Lovren van Dijk Robertson
Alex O-C Henderson Milner
Salah Firmino Mané

An 18-match unbeaten run has been followed by two consecutive losses against the two worst sides in the Premier League. What appeared to be Liverpool's strongest available XI just got knocked out of the FA Cup on Saturday, conceding three first half goals to a team that hadn't scored three against Premier League opposition since March 2017. Liverpool have now allowed eight goals from the last ten opposition shots on-target.

So, yeah, everything's going great, how are you doing?

Karius will come back in, Henderson will almost certainly make his first start since injury, there will be a few changes in defense, but otherwise, Liverpool are what Liverpool are right now. A new signing's not likely, and to compound matters, Sturridge is almost certainly leaving – not that we've seen much of him over the last few months.

Liverpool's current players have to do better within the set-up. That's how Liverpool have approached the market this month, and that is Jürgen Klopp's philosophy. And they especially have to do it against sides like West Brom and Swansea. The defense needs to be smarter and more cohesive. The midfield needs to be more creative and offer more protection against fast breaks. And the attack simply needs to take its chances.

And while Huddersfield isn't quite in the predicament of West Brom and Swansea, they'll play in a similar manner. The last meeting between this sides was the template for what Liverpool needed to do in their last two losses. Huddersfield sat deep, more a 4-3-3 than their usual 4-2-3-1. And Liverpool were frustrated in a first half that they at least patiently controlled. Liverpool weren't at their best, Liverpool struggled, but Liverpool kept going, and Liverpool sped away in the second half with three goals. That 3-0 win was the start of Liverpool's 18-match unbeaten run. They'd go on to do similar to Maribor, Southampton, Stoke, and Brighton over the next few weeks.

That's what's been lost in the last couple of matches, in the last couple of weeks. We saw signs of losing it a month ago, against both Everton and West Brom.

At least it's not been the best of months for Huddersfield either. They're still in the FA Cup – albeit needing a replay after a 1-1 home draw with Birmingham – but Huddersfield's last three league matches have been 0-3 at Leicester, 1-4 against West Ham, and 0-2 at Stoke. That's, um, not good.

Huddersfield were 10th going into the last meeting. They're currently 14th, but only two points outside the relegation places. But also two points away from 10th. The bottom half of the table is not fun for those involved this season.

Tomorrow's XI will probably look similar to that which started at Anfield, although in more of a 4-2-3-1 formation than 4-3-3. Lössi; Smith, Zanka, Schindler, Malone; Hogg, Mooy; Ince, Pritchard, van la Parra; Depoitre. There are a few alternatives: Lolley could start in place of Pritchard, Löwe in place of Malone, Hadergjonaj in place of Smith, and Mounie in place of Depoitre. Pritchard is the only real difference since these sides met in November, signed from Tottenham two weeks ago. Kachunga and Stankovic are out injured, while Danny Williams and Cranie are doubtful.

There's no sugar-coating the last week. It has been bad. Swansea was mediocre and unfortunate – more failing to take your chances and then a single set play breakdown rather than all-encompassing evil – but West Brom was all-encompassing evil. West Brom was bad, in all three phases of play. West Brom was a deterioration from the Swansea set-back rather than a response, West Brom was a painful reminder of what Liverpool did last January.

Y'all dug yourself into this hole. All y'all. Dig your way out.

Visualized: Liverpool 3-0 Huddersfield

Previous Match Infographics: Tottenham (a), Maribor (a), United (h), Newcastle (a), Spartak Moscow (a), Leicester (a), Burnley (h), Sevilla (h), Manchester City (a), Arsenal (h), Hoffenheim (h), Crystal Palace (h), Hoffenheim (a), Watford (a)

Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app.



(Here's the formation diagram usually included in match reviews.)

If any other top side went into halftime at 0-0 against a side they expected to beat and ended up winning 3-0, we'd call it a professional performance. Patience in breaking down what might have been the deepest opponents Liverpool have faced this season, then turning the screws, then the necessary opening, then winning with ease. Take what you're given, don't give anything away, and take all three points.

That's literally the template. But we're too damaged for that.

Yes, the first half was awkward. It took Liverpool 15 minutes to register a shot, then 12 more to register a second. It was either patient or just slow depending on your point of view. But that should have been expected given how we knew Huddersfield would line up, how Liverpool have often struggled against opposition like this, and the state that Liverpool are currently in. Not only were Liverpool coming off an embarrassing, debilitating loss, but they were again without three of their most influential attacking players in Coutinho, Mané, and Lallana.

While it may have been painful to watch, Liverpool did the right things. Liverpool kept working, kept trying. The front three and midfield three constantly switched positions in an attempt to confuse and shift defenders. Milner, no matter which side he was on, often pulled out to the flank. We saw a lot of those cross-field, back-post long passes from both Milner and Henderson. Both Firmino and Sturridge dropped deep to pick up possession, with something like seven or eight Huddersfield players between them and goal. The fullbacks – especially Gomez – sat much deeper than usual, ostensibly in an attempt to prevent counter-attacks.

Yes, there were 40 minutes of futility with few chances: Sturridge mishit over the bar, Salah and Milner straight at the keeper, and that's it. Then, Liverpool got an unlikely penalty, which Salah subsequently failed to convert, with Henderson's rebound off the post. Sturridge's opener came from an opposition error: Tommy Smith's attempted clearance falling directly to him in an offside position. Firmino's header eight minutes later – from a corner – went between Lossi's legs; literally two inches in either direction and it's saved. And Wijnaldum's capstone rocket is one he puts in the top corner one time out of ten, if I'm generous.

It admittedly wasn't overwhelming attacking brilliance. Liverpool's opener was definitely fortunate, and there was a bit of luck in both subsequent goals. But it was enough. It was the first time that both Firmino and Sturridge scored when starting together since 2-1 at Bournemouth in April 2016. Firmino's header was Liverpool's first goal from a corner this season. 12 of Liverpool's 16 shots from inside the box, 11 of those in the Danger Zone, and four clear-cut chances.

Liverpool scored goals that their opponents usually score against them. An opener from a defensive error. A second from a set play. The final goal from a quick attack through the middle of the pitch.

And Liverpool's opponents didn't score. While Huddersfield offered little in attack – they haven't scored away from home since opening day – Liverpool still didn't give anything away. During that awkward opening 15-20 minutes, Huddersfield had more threatening possession than they did throughout the rest of the match. A free kick in a dangerous position, a couple of corners, a couple of counters. No Huddersfield chances.

I have never seen a Liverpool opponent register just one shot. One shot, which was off-target, from outside the box, and from a direct free kick. In the 73rd minute, after Liverpool were already 2-0 up. I don't care how bad the opposition are. That's strangulation. The previous low since I started doing these infographics in 2012-13 was two, by Hull at Anfield last season. And, because Liverpool, Hull scored from one of those two.

Liverpool have conceded just one league goal at Anfield this season through five league matches. There was that regrettable 1-1 against Burnley, but we've now seen clean sheets against Palace, Arsenal, United, and Huddersfield. I remain surprised by that statistic. Liverpool registered its fourth Premier League clean sheet on December 14th last season.

I can't put it any better than Neil Atkinson did in the Anfield Wrap match review. Under Houllier and Benitez, this was par for the course. It was par for the course for last season's Chelsea and it's par for the course for this season's United. This is what good teams do when they're not at their best.

A 3-0 scoreline may not suggest an ugly, grinding win, but it was an ugly, grinding win. And ugly, grinding wins are good, especially when you score three and concede none. Especially when ugly, grinding wins are hard to come by for this side.

The better team won, comfortably in the end even if ugly at times. Sometimes, it's just that simple. With Liverpool, it's rarely that simple.

But, like the massacre at Maribor, it's just one match. One welcomed result, but just one result all the same. Liverpool need to be able to do this on a much more regular basis.

Liverpool v Huddersfield 10.28.17

10am ET, live in the US on CNBC

Last four head-to-head:
2-0 Liverpool (a; FA Cup) 12.12.99
1-0 Liverpool (a) 02.12.72
2-0 Liverpool (h) 10.23.71
0-0 (a) 12.19.70

Last three matches:
Liverpool: 1-4 Tottenham (a); 7-0 Maribor (a); 0-0 United (h)
Huddersfield: 2-1 United (h); 0-2 Swansea (a); 0-4 Tottenham (h)

Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Salah 5; Mané 3; Coutinho, Firmino 2; Henderson, Sturridge 1
Huddersfield: Depoitre, Mooy, Mounie 2

Referee: Kevin Friend (LFC History) (WhoScored)

Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Trent A-A Gomez Matip Moreno
Wijnaldum Henderson Can
Salah Firmino Alex O-C

So, how mad is everyone going to be when the Liverpool XI isn't that much different to last weekend's?

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe Klopp blows everything up. But we've rarely since this manager reactionary.

Coutinho is probably out with an adductor injury, which means that either Firmino will play on the left with Sturridge central or Oxlade-Chamberlain makes his first Liverpool league start. Lovren almost certainly should be taken out of the firing line, which means either Gomez or Klavan at center-back; if it's Gomez, that means both Gomez and Alexander-Arnold start, and Klopp's been reticent to do that, rotating both in Clyne's absence. Unless Milner or Can play at right-back.

But maybe Lovren keeps his place; it wouldn't be the most surprising decision we've seen. But Mignolet's probably keeping his place, with Karius to continue as Champions League keeper and Ward out with a back injury. But Henderson's probably keeping his place, rather than Can as the deepest midfielder bracketed by two from Wijnaldum, Milner, and Oxlade-Chamberlain. But we're probably not going to see a complete formation change, whether 4-2-3-1 with Firmino in the hole or three-at-the-back or a midfield diamond.

But Jürgen Klopp – rightly or wrongly – has faith in his methods and his players and will do all he can to make it right within what he believes is the best system with the best available players. And all we can do is hope that he's right.

I admittedly know less about this Huddersfield side than any other in the division. Yes, David Wagner is Klopp's best friend. Yes, there are similarities in playing style. Huddersfield are compact. They're decent at pressing, at stealing the ball, at forcing mistakes – as in both goals against Manchester United last weekend. The first came when Mooy dispossessed Mata and countered. The second came when Lindelof erred on a goal kick and Depoitre took advantage. Both of those goals should make Liverpool nervous. That win over United was, by far, their most impressive performance of the season; only the surprising 3-0 opening day win at Crystal Palace is even in the discussion, a win made to look less impressive by what Palace have done since.

Huddersfield usually play 4-2-3-1, and if it's the same XI as against Manchester United – and I've no reason to suspect otherwise – it'll be Lossi; Smith, Zanka, Schindler, Löwe; Hogg, Williams; Kachunga, Mooy, Ince; Depoitre. Mooy can play deeper in midfield if need be. Maybe Mounie comes back into the side, returning from injury as a substitute against United, but Depoitre's done well in his absence. Kachunga's questionable with a back injury, and if he can't start, it'll probably be Rajiv van la Parra.

Even with all the Klopp v Wagner narratives, once again, it seems less about what the opposition can or will do, and more about what Liverpool does or doesn't.

We've said it too often this season already, and it's not even November. It almost doesn't matter who plays – although that's obviously not entirely true. But we know this squad is capable of better than we've seen for the majority of this season, regardless of injuries, regardless of starting XI. We know they're vastly better than what we saw last Sunday, even (and especially) the most egregious scapegoats.

Response. Needed. Now.