Liverpool's start to the new Premier League campaign has been a difficult one, with the team recording consecutive 2-2 draws in their initial fixtures. These results have already put Liverpool behind early frontrunners such as Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
The team faced manageable early opponents, including an away match against Newcastle in the first week and a home game where they were considered strong favorites against Nottingham Forest. The failure to secure maximum points in these encounters has been described as an opportunity squandered, with anything less than a win against Ipswich Town on Friday expected to be a significant setback.
Defensive Struggles
Questions have arisen regarding Liverpool's defensive performance early in the season. Head coach Andoni Iraola's preference for an active, high-pressing system appears to be a challenge for the squad's current speed and execution. Data indicates that Liverpool has allowed more expected goals than all but four teams through the first two matches and ranks in the middle of the league for shots allowed. These statistics are considered concerning given the level of opposition faced so far.
Ipswich Town's defense has also shown vulnerabilities, which is not unexpected for a newly promoted team. While Ipswich secured a victory against Sunderland in their opening match, their defense faltered in an away game against Manchester United. However, the offensive capabilities of Liverpool are not in question, as the team has scored four goals in its first two games. The expectation is that Liverpool's attack possesses sufficient firepower to contribute to a high-scoring match against Ipswich.