Data shows Liverpool are being targeted by opponents in one very specific way this season

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Liverpool have struggled in their most recent set of Premier League games.While the Reds may have had a much better time in the Champions League this week with a 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, when it comes to the top-flight, they have lost three on the bounce.Last weekend’s third defeat, this time to Manchester United at Anfield, proved that their issues were worse than had been anticipated as they were unable to prevent a Harry Maguire winner.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Each loss has exposed at least one of the flaws hurting Liverpool this season, from defensive woes to a lack of midfield control, sometimes both in one game.Arne Slot has been attempting to turn things around and hopes that the win last Tuesday at least gives his players confidence going into the Brentford game, but he needs to address how the opposition attacks his team.Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty ImagesLiverpool faced the highest total and ratio of long passes in the Premier LeagueOne thing that has been picked up on by Slot himself and pundits is the fact that the Reds are seemingly unable to deal with a long ball or pass into their half.It was the biggest problem when facing United, not because their long passing was exceptional, but because it led to them winning the second ball for the majority of the game, which led to their chances.READ MORE: Florian Wirtz leaves Arne Slot amused after picking up two quick assists for LiverpoolWhile the Dutch manager has discussed the issue at length with teams using this tactic against them, the data shows that it is to an incredibly high extent.According to Opta’s analysis, this season in the Premier League, Liverpool have faced the highest number of long passes from opponents (507), with it making up a 20.3% ratio of their opponents’ passes.507 – Liverpool's opponents have played 507 long passes against them in the Premier League this season, accounting for 20.3% of their passes.

This is both the highest total and ratio faced by any side in the division in 2025-26. Style. pic.twitter.com/xu8k7vLIIP— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 24, 2025 View Tweet This makes it the highest total and ratio in the league this season, proving that Slot is clearly correct about teams targeting them from that tactic.There will definitely be a way for the manager to counteract this, but as yet he has been unable to, especially in the Premier League.Brentford could be a difficult game for the long passIt will make it difficult in the Brentford game away from home, as they are a team that dabble in the long pass.While not as strong as many teams, Keith Andrews’ side have completed 42% of their long passes, which still poses a threat.What makes them more dangerous for Liverpool is their target man, Igor Thiago, who is a real threat aerially and defensively.Slot will hope his slump in the league ends at the Gtech Community Stadium, but Andrews’ side will not go down without a fight.