Liverpool lead impressive stat highlighting Diogo Jota's importance

After the opening weekend for Europe's top five leagues, Liverpool rank number one for the highest xG (expected goals) created.

Liverpool, who created an xG of 3.45, have an impressive second half display to thank for being at the summit of this ranking with Arne Slot requiring to be 'flexible and clinical' at half-time on Saturday with his side failing to impress in the opening half at Portman Road.

In fact, the difference between the two displays is made apparent using this statistic. Liverpool's second half performance is what sees them higher than any other team in Europe's top five divisions, with The Reds only creating an xG of 0.09 prior to the interval.

Nobody anticipated that 45 minutes into his first game, Arne Slot would have his team playing precisely how he wants them to, especially after nine years of Jurgen Klopp, whose style is very different. However, the second half performance against Ipswich is a good indication of things to come under Slot, with xG numbers like these predicted to become the norm.

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XG ISN'T AN INDICATIVE STAT BUT IT SHOWS POSITIVE SIGNS FOR ARNE SLOT

The expected goals statistic understandably divides opinion and is of more use in specific situations. Many believe that expected goals is a stat that fails to indicate how well a side played or whether they deserved to win the game. Which is understandable.

However, in the case of Arne Slot's first Premier League game, an xG of such magnitude should be used as a positive indication. It highlight's that Slot's Liverpool are creating multiple big chances to score goals, which is an encouraging start to build on as the season progresses.

But yes, the Liverpool manager before anyone will say moving forward, this stat doesn't mean much if the ball isn't hitting the back of the net and he'll be hoping his firepower in attack can continue to convert xG into goals.

DIOGO JOTA IS THE KEY TO MAKING XG COUNT

Diogo Jota opened his and Liverpool's accounts for the new 2024/25 Premier League campaign as he latched onto the end of Mo Salah's cross to break the deadlock at Portman Road on Saturday.

Many believe Jota is the most clinical finisher Liverpool have and up there with some of the deadliest strikers in the league. He is as ruthless with his left foot as he is with his right and for his height, one of the most dangerous strikers aerially when it comes to converting chances.

The striker has netted 54 times in his Liverpool career, with that tally expected to skyrocket if he stays injury free.

The one issue Jota has had in his Liverpool career is that he has struggled to maintain fitness with injuries holding him back regularly.

Slot will be hoping he can keep the Portuguese forward fit for the whole season because when Jota isn't netting himself, he's assisting others instead, converting an expected continuous high xG into actual goals.