The simple explanation behind Liverpool’s underperforming forward line

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On Friday, Arne Slot considered the number of league goals Liverpool’s forwards have scored this season and said simply: “That is not enough.” If the message was conveyed privately to his players, they were swift to provide the right kind of answer. After 27 league matches of last season, Liverpool’s six main forwards had 51 goals.

Mohamed Salah has failed to replicate his form from last season amid Liverpool's striker struggles (AP)Then there is Isak. If some of Liverpool’s thinking was that, as Salah got older, Isak would assume the goalscoring mantle, his fragile fitness means he has not yet.

Alexander Isak's first season with the Reds has been hampered by injuries (AFP via Getty Images)For Isak, semi-fit for some of his time on the pitch with Liverpool, his shot count is reduced from 3.05 per minutes to 2.60, his xG from 0.68 to 0.48; again, the average quality of the chance is not as high. Hugo Ekitike has been Liverpool's main threat but even he is underperforming his xG (REUTERS)A year ago, Liverpool’s attacking numbers – goals, xG – were far and away the best.