Liverpool have shipped 18 goals already this season.
The Reds were shell-shocked yesterday as Bournemouth scored three goals in the last 14minutes to come back and win 4-3, after being 3-1 down.
The game embodied Liverpool’s fragile nature, and highlighted just how important summer signing Joel Matip has become to them since he made the move to Anfield in July.
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp celebrates with Joel Matip
In fact, Jürgen Klopp’s men have conceded the same amount of goals in the three games that Matip has missed as they have in the 11 games that he has played.
Quite a remarkable stat, and one that will be deeply concerning for Klopp.
During the games where the Cameroon international has been absent, Liverpool’s results have been:
Arsenal 3-4 Liverpool
Burnley 2-0 Liverpool
Bournemouth 4-3 Liverpool
Liverpool’s Joel Matip in action
The 18 goals that they have conceded is more than any other team inside the top eight in the league, and the German must surely be looking to strengthen his central defensive options in January.
Liverpool are now four points behind league leaders Chelsea, and must improve drastically on their defensive displays, if they are to mount a sustained challenge for the Premier League title.
One thing is for sure, they will need to keep Matip fit and fresh for the remainder of their campaign if they are to have any chance at all.
Liverpool’s Joel Matip in action
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