Analysing Arne Slot’s claim that Liverpool have suffered ‘bad luck’ this season

Manager Arne Slot has claimed that Liverpool have suffered ‘bad luck’‘ with injuries and conceding late goals this season.

Liverpool’s title defence has faltered and the club risk missing out on Champions League qualification as they are five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

On the injury front, Liverpool have had to deal with several players missing, with record signing Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, and Conor Bradley currently out.

However, Liverpool have not been the most affected by injuries this season. They rank 13th among teams that have been worst affected by injury.

In addition, Liverpool’s injury woes have been self-inflicted, with the refusal to sign a centre-back and right-back proving costly.

Regarding conceding late winning goals, the Reds have conceded a 90th-minute winner four times, equalling the joint-highest tally in Premier League history.

Overall, Slot’s side have conceded six goals in second-half stoppage this term – equalling a club record.

This is also self-inflicted, due to Slot’s refusal to trust his squad. Liverpool have eight players who have started 20+ league games, a joint record in the division.

This means Liverpool get worn out during games, allowing opponents to capitalise late on.

Slot needs to start giving more minutes to players such as Calvin Ramsey, Rio Ngumoha, Federico Chiesa, and Curtis Jones to reduce the effect of injuries on his squad and the number of late goals they concede.

Ultimately, this could strengthen Liverpool’s top-four push and improve their chances in the Champions League and FA Cup.