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Liverpool duo continue to dominate as Arne Slot pushes for Premier League title

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Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool defenders Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk stomped their authority after conceding an unfortunate early goal against Leicester City. The Reds beat the Foxes 3-1 at Anfield on Thursday in the Premier League Boxing Day clash, maintaining their momentum.

Liverpool have won 22 out of 26 games in all competitions while building an efficient tactical style under Arne Slot. However, contrary to how they started the season, Liverpool have conceded nine goals in their last four Premier League games.

The Reds built a mean defence that propelled them to the top of the Premier League and the Champions League. They allowed three goals against Newcastle United, which is understandable considering the Magpies’ strong home form this season.

The combined heatmap of Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk against Leicester City with a total of 226 touches from both of them. (Credit: Whoscored)
The combined heatmap of Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk against Leicester City with a total of 226 touches from both of them. (Credit: Whoscored)

Liverpool conceded two more goals against Fulham after suffering an early red card to Andy Robertson during that game. The Reds conceded three goals against attack-minded Tottenham Hotspur, conceding two due to complacency after securing a 5-1 lead.

Under the thick fog at Anfield, Slot put Liverpool with a priority to secure three points but also maintain a clean sheet. However, the sixth-minute goal from Jordan Ayew ruined that objective but the Reds bounced back immediately with a dominant performance.

Despite conceding nine goals, there is not a single blame on Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defenders, Gomez and Van Dijk. The Liverpool defenders have not put a foot wrong but unfortunately, the Premier League is unforgiving.

According to Fotmob, Gomez enjoyed 93% passing accuracy (97 passes), while creating two chances for the team. The 27-year-old had 108 touches, 100% accurate cross and 67% accurate long balls, showcasing incredible ball-playing qualities.

Gomez completed seven defensive actions, including six recoveries, one interception, two successful tackles (100%), three clearances, and one headed clearance. The England international also won four duels to maintain his dominance in the high-line defence, negating every Leicester attack.

Meanwhile, Van Dijk enjoyed an incredible 95% passing accuracy with 108 passes and 118 touches. The Dutch captain won 67% of tackles (three) and made three clearances and one headed clearance with two interceptions.

Van Dijk completed eight defensive actions with three recoveries, winning nine duels to dominate his area. The Liverpool centre-backs Gomez and Van Dijk showcase such dominance that Alisson barely had anything to do.

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However, the Reds hope to secure some clean sheets during the early stages of 2025. Liverpool will face Manchester United in January after playing West Ham United in the last game of this year.

Passionate student of football with certifications in Clinical Psychology and Business Analytics. I enjoy writing and making sense of data and what pleases me even more is if I can interpret it in a way that people can enjoy my work like a story.