Why are Liverpool struggling to score goals?

Liverpool started the season on a crest of a wave after a good finish to last season under club legend Kenny Dalglish.

Expectations were high as usual in the red half of Merseyside. However Liverpool’s season has stalled in recent weeks.

Goals

Liverpool are struggling in front of goal. Considering Liverpool have so many international strikers it’s really surprising.

The likes of Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt are all supposed goalscorers. Suarez is Liverpool’s top Premier League scorer with just five goals this season and that underlines the Reds problems.

Dirk Kuyt has failed to find the net in this Premier League campaign. The Dutchman has been stuck on 49 top flight goals since last season. And Liverpool’s club record signing Andy Carroll has struggled for goals since his arrival at the club.

The giant striker has scored just twice in the top flight this season. There are doubts about the strikers fitness and ability to live up to his massive price tag. The striker probably hasn’t played as many games as he would liked though.

With Luis Suarez facing up to an eight match ban Liverpool could really struggle for goals in the Uruguayan’s absence. The strikers suspension isn’t likely to take immediate effect because he will be able to play until the outcome of his appeal.

Luck

Liverpool have had terrible luck in front of goal this season. The Reds have hit the woodwork 16 times this season, more than any other team in the English top flight. They are creating chances but have been unlucky to be denied by the frame of the goal on so many occasions.

I’m sure Liverpool would have collected far more points if those efforts had found the net rather than the upright.

Fantastic

Liverpool have come up against some outstanding goalkeeping displays this season, especially at Anfield. Keepers seem to thrive on performing at the famous ground. The likes of Norwich’s John Ruddy and Blackburn’s Mark Bunn have put in fantastic displays to earn their respective teams a point.

Even when Liverpool visited Wigan their keeper Ali Al-Habsi produced a goalkeeping master class. The Oman keeper even saved a Charlie Adam spot kick to earn his team a vital point at the DW Stadium.

Every keeper that plays against Liverpool can’t be outstanding and at some point the tide will turn in the Reds favour. I’m sure at some point Liverpool will also become more clinical in front of goal.

Return

One factor that could help Liverpool get on the score sheet in the next few weeks is the return from injury of captain and talisman Steven Gerrard. The midfielder made a cameo appearance from the bench in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn on Boxing Day.

The midfielders presence seemed to lift everybody. He is more than just a player he represents the heart of the Liverpool team. He is a red through and through and his return will definitely give everybody at the club a big boost.

Change

Liverpool’s luck is bound to change at some stage because they do have quality players in their side. The Reds are not far off the Champions League berths and I wouldn’t bet against them making the top four this season.

Why are Liverpool struggling to score goals?