Once upon a time, Liverpool had fans tearing their hair out over a familiar failure to defend their goal.
No longer does that appear to be the case.
Jurgen Klopp’s men set an all-time club record with Saturday’s 1-0 win over Huddersfield, with another clean sheet meaning they are the first Liverpool team to have conceded just three times across their opening nine games of a league season.
It marked the sixth time across the Reds’ unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign that they have scored without reply, equating to a position as joint-league leaders with Manchester City.
9️⃣ Games
7️⃣ Wins
2️⃣ Draws
1️⃣6️⃣ Goals Scored
6️⃣ Clean Sheets
2️⃣3️⃣ PointsOur unbeaten @premierleague run continues. 💪 pic.twitter.com/Nq3yTCk2Ud
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 21, 2018
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The feat is a partial reflection of Alisson’s superb start to the season, with the Brazilian shot-stopper’s six clean-sheets over his opening nine starts bettered only by Petr Cech’s seven with Chelsea.
Liverpool’s summer signing has been instrumental in imposing an added self-assurance to his side’s defensive approach, matching his calm nature with a string of key saves.
Liverpool’s Alisson has kept six clean sheets in his opening nine #PL starts
The only keeper to have kept more in their opening nine starts in the competition is Petr Cech (7) pic.twitter.com/0sG5NIb3ur
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 21, 2018
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Alan Shearer points out unsung star in Liverpool’s goal vs. Huddersfield
Virgil van Dijk has arguably been the main difference at the back, spearheading an incredible turnaround for a once incompetent defence.
The Dutchman has flourished alongside young Joe Gomez in teasing one of the most complete long-term centre-back partnerships the club has seen in years.
Amid their current lack of attacking cohesion in the final-third, Liverpool have had an answer for almost every challenge to confront their own goal.
Just wait until Mohamed Salah and Co. find top gear.