One might anticipate that significant investment in player acquisitions would result in a thrilling matchup when Liverpool faces Tottenham in Tuesday’s EFL Cup tie. However, as both teams, which have spent nearly a billion dollars in total on attacking reinforcements since last season, prepare to clash at Anfield, they are both grappling with their goal-scoring struggles.
For Liverpool, the situation isn’t dire just yet. With six goals in their first four matches, they have the eighth-best scoring record in the league. The team also boasts 6.72 expected goals (xG), ranking them sixth overall. Yet, when excluding penalties, their xG drops to just under 1.5 per game—placing them ninth. This isn’t particularly alarming for a squad missing last season’s top scorer, Hugo Ekitike, and currently adjusting to a new coach’s directives.
Still, there are notable concerns that emerge from these early statistics. Liverpool has had a relatively favorable start to their schedule. While it’s acknowledged that facing Newcastle in a high-stakes away match was a challenge, having this task as the hardest one in a stretch of four matches should ideally lead to a higher goal tally. Instead, Liverpool has recorded a meek 1.75 xG while attempting to chase a win against Nottingham Forest and only 1.3 against Fulham.
For a team like Liverpool, known for its star-studded attacking lineup, these figures are disappointing. With only 98 minutes of play, it’s still too early to judge Bradley Barcola, while Ekitike continues to recover from his Achilles injury.
The focus intensifies for Tottenham, who have yet to score this season, joining newly-promoted Coventry City as the only teams without a goal in the Premier League. For now, coach Roberto De Zerbi’s prior success in keeping the squad afloat last season allows him some leeway, yet prolonged struggles will undermine his credit. In their opening four games, Spurs have tallied just 3.45 xG, sitting last in the league, despite notable performances in other aspects of their play.
They excel at maneuvering within their preferred zones, averaging 77 more touches in the attacking third compared to the defensive third, and have the eighth-most box touches. Nonetheless, this effectiveness has not translated into goal-scoring chances, as seen in their scoreless draw against Everton, where the opponent had clearer opportunities despite Spurs holding more possession.
Roberto De Zerbi acknowledges Tottenham’s difficulty in ‘unblocking ourselves’ as the goalless streak extends to four matches.
James Benge
These territorial statistics might reveal more about the game state than Tottenham’s true abilities. In nearly every game thus far, opponents have been encouraged to absorb pressure while maintaining advantageous results. This strategy often proves safe; however, Tottenham, boasting three forwards valued at over £50 million collectively, are failing to generate significant scoring threats.
Pedro Porro, despite participating in only two games, stands among Spurs’ shot leaders, while Mikey Moore, on loan at Cologne, managed to take a single shot on target during his brief time. Relying on former Manchester City players isn’t showing immediate rewards for Tottenham, with signings like Savio appearing lively but lacking in creating good scoring opportunities. Marmoush, though energetic, also seems to fall short on output.
A cup match could provide an opportunity for Spurs to find their rhythm, similar to their emphatic 5-1 victory against Charlton—though De Zerbi insists this shouldn’t reflect the team’s assessment so far. James Maddison and Mohamed Kudus may see more playtime after appearing off the bench last game, while Richarlison’s ongoing discord with the club means he isn’t a consideration right now despite being the only forward with a track record of more than 15 goals in the Premier League.
On the Liverpool side, head coach Andoni Iraola might also consider shaking up his lineup. Rio Ngumoha started early in the season on a yet-to-be-defined right flank and could be an option, along with Cody Gakpo, who hasn’t fully found his form yet but could provide depth as a center-forward. While Liverpool’s need for an attacking spark isn’t as urgent as Tottenham’s, both squads are not maximizing their investments at this early stage of the season.
<h2>How to watch Liverpool vs. Tottenham, odds</h2><p><strong>Date:</strong> Tuesday, Sept. 15 | <strong>Time:</strong> 3 p.m. ET<br/><strong>Location:</strong> Anfield -- Liverpool, United Kingdom<br/><strong>Live stream:</strong> Paramount+<br/><strong>Odds:</strong> Liverpool -125; Draw +260; Tottenham +290</p>Fan Take: This match is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights two clubs’ struggles despite their heavy investment in talent, potentially signaling deeper issues within their structures. The outcome could influence managerial security and set the tone for their seasons, making it crucial for the fans, players, and the respective clubs involved.
Source: www.cbssports.com
