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Mobykidz's avatar

Excellent match summary. A quirky observation.

We're only a few games in but I'm noticing we seem to get more throw ins compared to Arsenal or Man City.

Is this an opposition tactic?

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Andrew Beasley's avatar

I can’t say I’ve ever looked at the numbers for throw-ins. A glance back shows Liverpool have always (last few years) had more than Arsenal or City so it doesn’t seem to be a Klopp/Slot difference, whatever the explanation.

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Mobykidz's avatar

Thanks. I'm not sure either. It was the Ipswich (24) and Forest (31) games that stood out on throw ins, where it seemed we had Robbo (12) on continual throw in duty on the left and then against Forest (more evenly split between Robbo (8) and Trent (9)).

When you look at Arsenal's figures they're currently averaging just 12.8 throw ins per game. Since 2019-20 their throw in per 90 metric has steadily been coming down from 19.9 to last season’s 14.7, which coincides with Arteta becoming their manager end of 2019.

Liverpool’s per 90 throw in stats since 2019-20 to 2023-24 have been 23.1, 21.3, 20.5, 22.6, 19.9, and currently 22.8. So, you're right about there being no Slot/Klopp difference as of yet. But the stats do show Arteta is doing something, which may be an indicator of their style of possession and pressing. As I watch a fair number of Arsenal games (due to a genetic anomaly in one of my kids) you notice a difference.

For five years Liverpool had Thomas Gronnemark as our throw in coach until he left back in May 2023. It may mean nothing but it will be interesting to see where Liverpool end up come the end of this season on throw ins and whether we see a drop in our per 90 metric.

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Andrew Beasley's avatar

If you ignore the United game (not ideal in a small sample!), the other four games are in order for Liverpool throw ins and opposition clearances, there’s an obvious potential link there.

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