Liverpool's slow starts highlighted by incredibly worrying data

Liverpool made life difficult for themselves once again on Sunday. 

Jurgen Klopp's side made a typically slow start to proceedings in their clash with Crystal Palace, conceding to Eberechi Eze in the 14th minute of the match at Anfield.

The Reds have so often fallen behind in games this season, leaving them furiously battling to overturn an early deficit. In all fairness, they have often managed to do so.

However, Sunday proved too much for a Liverpool side bereft of confidence following a difficult week, and they ultimately stumbled to a turgid 1-0 defeat on home soil.

The Reds' profligacy was on full show as well as Liverpool failed to capitalise on some glorious opportunities, but it was yet another slow start that paved the way for disappointment.

THE DATA BEHIND LIVERPOOL'S SLOW STARTS

Once a club renowned for their lightning quick starts, especially at Anfield, Liverpool have generally operated at a more leisurely pace from the first whistle this season.

However, as pointed out by journalist Andrew Beasley, Liverpool's slow starts have been worrying.

Only Sheffield United (1) have scored fewer than the Reds (2) in the opening 15 minutes of matches in the Premier League, while only six teams have conceded more than their seven in the same time period.

That leaves Liverpool with a goal difference of -5 from the opening quarter-of-an-hour of matches - the second worst in the Premier League this season. By contrast, Arsenal top the rankings with a +6 goal difference, while Manchester City are sat in third with +5.

Klopp's men have often been able to turn things around after sleepy starts, winning four of the seven games in which they have conceded in the first 15 minutes (Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth, Wolves 1-3 Liverpool, Liverpool 4-1 Luton and Liverpool 2-1 Brighton).

However, in both clashes with Arsenal this season, games that have proved decisive in the title race, Liverpool conceded within the opening quarter-of-an-hour, with the Reds unable to win either match (Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal and Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool).

The 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend was the second game in which Liverpool have conceded in said time period and gone on to lose, with the Reds dropping eight points in matches where they have let in a goal in the opening 15 minutes.

Liverpool also conceded after only ten minutes during their 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester United, and they also conceded before the 15th minute in 3-1 victories over LASK and Leicester City this term.

While the Reds' powers of recovery have often been unmatched this term, they simply can't afford to continue this worrying trend, especially if they still have any hope of winning an unlikely Premier League title.