Liverpool cruised to a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town in what was Arne Slot’s first match in charge. It was a clinical display of finishing and tactical discipline. The match, held at Portman Road, showcased Liverpool’s dominance in terms of expected goals (xG), with a final xG of 3.0 compared to Ipswich Town’s 0.8. The Reds were in control for the majority of the game, both in terms of possession and chances created, and it was two well-taken goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah that sealed the victory.
Key Stat Breakdowns:
Expected Goals (xG): Liverpool’s xG of 3.0 illustrates their superior attacking quality, creating high-percentage chances throughout the match. In contrast, Ipswich’s 0.8 xG indicates their struggle to break down Liverpool’s defense effectively.
Cumulative xG Graph: The graph shows Liverpool gradually increasing their xG as the match progressed, with two significant spikes corresponding to the goals by Diogo Jota (59′, xG: 0.32) and Mohamed Salah (64′, xG: 0.52).
Shot Map: Salah was particularly clinical, scoring with a goal that had an xG of 0.7. His shot map shows how Liverpool’s talisman took his chances well, making the most of the opportunities presented to him.
Match Momentum:
The match started cautiously, with both teams feeling each other out in the opening 20 minutes. Ipswich managed to maintain a relatively solid shape defensively but struggled to create meaningful chances, as shown by their modest xG throughout the match. Liverpool, on the other hand, steadily grew into the game, asserting their dominance in the middle of the park.
As the first half drew to a close, it became evident that Liverpool was in control, even though they hadn’t yet broken the deadlock. The second half, however, was a different story. The Reds ramped up their attacking pressure, and it paid off with two quick goals just after the hour mark. Ipswich, reeling from these setbacks, never truly threatened to mount a comeback, and Liverpool comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.
In Possession Tactics: Pass Maps Analysis
Liverpool: Liverpool’s pass map, by contrast, paints a picture of control and precision. The midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai orchestrated the play with confidence, spreading the ball wide to the full-backs and forwards. The link-up between Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right flank was particularly effective, causing constant problems for Ipswich’s defense. Diogo Jota’s positioning as a false nine allowed him to drop deep and connect play, creating space for Salah and Luis Díaz to exploit.
Ipswich Town: Ipswich’s pass map reflects a side that struggled to maintain possession in dangerous areas. Their passes were concentrated in their half, often going sideways or backward, with little penetration into Liverpool’s defensive third. The reliance on long balls to Liam Delap, who was isolated up front, indicates a lack of cohesion in their build-up play. The midfield trio of Sam Morsy, Massimo Luongo, and Conor Chaplin worked hard but lacked the creativity and support to link up effectively with the attack.
Final Thoughts:
This match was a textbook example of Liverpool’s quality under pressure and their ability to manage games effectively. Ipswich Town will need to regroup quickly if they are to compete at this level, as they were clearly outclassed by a Liverpool side that looks ready to challenge for the title once again this season. The Reds’ ability to convert their chances, as highlighted by their xG, and control the game’s tempo through their passing will serve them well in the challenges ahead.