Is it possible that Liverpool is actually better without Mohamed Salah? It sounds like football heresy, doesn't it? But, as Liverpool prepares to face Barnsley in the FA Cup, and with their recent impressive form, the numbers are starting to tell a surprising story. Let's dive in and see what the stats reveal.
Following a string of victories and a hard-fought draw against Arsenal, Liverpool appears to have left their November slump behind. They're looking like the formidable team we're used to. But, there's a twist: this in-form Liverpool is also a different Liverpool. The absence of Mohamed Salah, due to his AFCON duties and some time on the bench, has been a significant change. And, to the surprise of many, the team seems to be thriving without their star player.
Since Salah's departure, Liverpool has played seven Premier League games, and they haven't lost a single one. While some results were less than stellar, like the draws against Fulham and Leeds, they've also secured wins against strong teams such as West Ham, Tottenham, and Wolves. Intriguingly, in the league games where Salah did play, Liverpool only drew once and lost six out of 14 games.
Now, let's crunch the numbers. Liverpool is conceding fewer goals and scoring slightly more without Salah. And here's the kicker: their points-per-game average has increased by a staggering 18%! This is a significant shift. Before Salah's absence, after the first 12 matchdays, Liverpool was in twelfth place. But in the nine league games played without Salah, they've climbed to fourth in the table.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is Salah's absence really the key to Liverpool's resurgence? Considering his incredible contributions over the years, it's understandable if fans are hesitant to sideline him. But something has clearly clicked for the team. Will the manager stick with the winning formula when Salah returns, or will he find a way to integrate his star player? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you believe Salah's absence has truly benefited Liverpool, or is it just a coincidence? Let's discuss!
