Patience in the Final Third

Having looked at our shooting statistics in our three league games so far this season it is clear to see that the team isn't patient enough in the final third.

Liverpool's Shooting Statistics:
Vs West Brom (A) - 16 shots, 2 shots on target
Vs Man City (H) - 17 shots, 2 shots on target
Vs Arsenal (H) - 19 shots, 4 shots on target

We clearly can create shooting opportunities in the final third with all three of our games so far seeing us notch up near to 20 shots per game. The clear negative is that it seems these shots are not worth the hassle, are due to lack of patience and lead to opponents gaining possession on a regular basis.

To only test a keeper twice in a game is very poor, which we have done twice already in the league. Many people have criticized passing teams for not being more direct in games, and for passing the ball back and sideways. This is clearly something many British pundits are not educated about. Moving the ball sideways like Barcelona stretches opponents and creates opportunities, instead of shooting for the sake of it from distance. When you look at Brendan's ex team Swansea's shooting stats from the first three games there is a clear contrast.

Swansea's Shooting Statistics:
Vs QPR (A) - 12 shots, 8 shots on target
Vs West Ham (H) - 10 shots, 7 shots on target
Vs Sunderland (H) - 14 shots, 10 shots on target

It is clear to see that Swansea will produce less shots in a game, but produce more clear cut chances with more than double the amount of shots on target than us.

The likes of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard are players who I have been very disappointed with so far this season in the final third. They have been too direct and impatient on the ball during our three league games. It is clear to see that someone like Allen knows Brendan's style and keeps the ball rolling and moves the ball from left to right keeping possession waiting for that clear chance. The positive aspect is that this is something Rodgers will be changing, and will be developing the Liverpool players to be more tactically clever and patient. However, this will take time.

Cheers for reading