Liverpool are slowly but surely quashing a familiar tale surrounding their defensive woes.
The Reds have launched a soaring resurgence since the turn of the year in view of eradicating a frailty that has so often restricted their Premier League title ambitions.
A damning 4-1 defeat to Tottenham at Wembley back in October appeared to be a trigger point as Jurgen Klopp proceeded to focus on fixing his back four.
Virgil van Dijk’s arrival in the January transfer was undoubtedly a major turning point, with the Dutchman imposing an immediate game-dictating authority and notably helping Dejan Lovren reach his best form in a Liverpool shirt.
A top-four finish and a place in the Champions League final would follow, teasing what is now perceived as Liverpool’s most realistic chance of Premier League title glory in some years. A winning start to the campaign has only furthered that belief.
Saturday’s 3-0 win over Southampton means Liverpool have now recorded eight league clean sheets in a row at Anfield for the first time since 2006/2007, according to Squawka statistics.
🔴 2-0 vs. Newcastle
🔴 5-0 vs. Watford
🔴 3-0 vs. Bournemouth
🔴 0-0 vs. Stoke
🔴 4-0 vs. Brighton
🔴 4-0 vs. West Ham
🔴 1-0 vs. Brighton
🔴 3-0 vs. SouthamptonLiverpool have kept eight consecutive Premier League clean sheets at Anfield for the first time since 2006/07. 🏠 pic.twitter.com/QbSwVmXRo8
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 22, 2018
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It needs reminding the role Loris Karius’ strong run of form over the second half of last season played in aiding Liverpool’s defensive improvement.
The same must also be said for Andrew Robertson and his reliability since filling in for the injured Alberto Moreno last December, not to mention Trent Alexander-Arnold and his stunning rise to stardom.
Whilst it was Lovren at the end of last season, it has been Joe Gomez to flourish alongside Van Dijk at centre-back over the club’s opening seven games.
Liverpool’s current first-choice pairing have radiated welcomed reassurance and composure amid Klopp’s impetus towards balancing the scales between defence and attack.
In truth, Alisson has been left with little to do since his arrival from Roma.