Zero Shots on Target and the Istanbul Trip: Liverpool's Attack Crisis or Statistical Trap?

Liverpool's goalless draw against Arsenal at home ended with a scoreline of 0-0, but the real story emerged when the statistics were checked. In that match, Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target—the first time they had done so in a home Premier League game since Opta records began in 2026-04. This one number is where the analysis begins. Based on my years of watching matches, I have repeatedly noticed that zero shots on target does not mean the attack has completely collapsed; rather, the real question is where the team's positioning inside the box and reliance on second balls is breaking down. According to Liverpool's current head coach Andoni Iraola, the team had numerical superiority in attacking areas, but box occupation and the quality of runs were not right. He has emphasized the need to reduce reliance on second balls and focus on entering the box directly. In this analysis, I am adding some observations from my match-watching experience alongside the statistics. Liverpool have scored 12 goals in three Champions League matches—an average of 4.0 goals per game. But in the Premier League, they have scored 11 goals in nine matches, averaging 1.22. This difference might initially suggest they are formidable in Europe and inconsistent domestically. But when I watch the footage of those matches, I realize the Champions League opponents were relatively open defensively, while Premier League opponents are playing a low block. Goal numbers alone cannot measure attacking health, because finishing variance plays a big role in small samples. In Iraola's words, the problem is “entering the box late” and “waiting for second balls.” From my experience, I would add that when Liverpool's midfielders try to enter the box, their runs are often blocked by opposing defenders because they try to create pressure by bringing the ball close to their feet rather than making direct runs. This increases numbers in the box but does not produce effective shots. Before the trip to Fenerbahce, there is a major blow to the squad—Ryan Gravenberch is ruled out injured. The absence of this midfielder could reduce Liverpool's box arrivals, as he usually plays an important role in making late runs into the box. However, Iraola has not clarified who his replacement will be, so the extent of the impact remains speculative. Now the question is: is the zero shots on target against Arsenal a sign of a deep attacking crisis at Liverpool, or is it just an isolated incident? To answer this, I have to look at the atmosphere of Fenerbahce's stadium and the match preparation. Iraola himself admitted that Fenerbahce's stadium and atmosphere will be difficult, and playing there with only two days of preparation is not easy. Now to the counter-intuitive angle. It is generally assumed that excellent Champions League results mean the team is on the right track. But when I watch Liverpool's Premier League matches, I feel their movement patterns inside the box against low blocks are very predictable. They are relying more on second balls, which is not effective against opponents skilled in short passing. This was evident against Arsenal. Another aspect is refereeing and VAR. In the incident where Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak's shirt against Arsenal, no penalty was given. Iraola did not seek an explanation for this decision. However, I believe such decisions can affect match outcomes, and questions about VAR consistency may arise. All things considered, the trip to Fenerbahce is not just a battle for three points for Liverpool; it is a stage to prove their attacking effectiveness and consistency in domestic form. If they fail to score there, the shadow of that zero shots on target in the Premier League will grow darker. And if they win, it will prove that the Champions League form is the real one, and domestic consistency still needs to be regained. To me, Liverpool's real test is not at Fenerbahce, but in the next Premier League match. Because whatever the Champions League group-stage results, it is the domestic league position that ultimately determines a coach's fate.