Based on the percentage of the shots on target that they saved, which ‘keepers appear to have excelled against the Reds this season?
Unlike with the ‘shots faced’ statistics, there is a slightly more decisive seven/four split in favour of ‘keepers who have made a higher percentage of saves against Liverpool than against their other opponents.
As Brad Friedel only had one shot on target to save against Liverpool, he doesn’t deserve too much credit for his 100% record. John Ruddy of Norwich, however, saved eight of the nine shots on target that he faced, and went a long way to earning his side a point. In fact, he has only made 25 saves in his other nine league games in total, so he clearly passed a stern test at Anfield.
If we take a closer look at the figures of Vorm, Begovic and Ruddy, we can see what difference their performances against Liverpool may well have made to the results.
Hypothetically, if they had only saved their average figures from the other matches they have played, then Liverpool would have won all three games: Swansea 1-0, Stoke 2-1, and Norwich 3-1. Those seven points would have put Liverpool level with Manchester United; title challenge anyone?
Doesn’t help the Reds now of course, and I hope this doesn’t come across as making excuses on behalf of the strikers, as they do have to take some responsibility for the team’s poor shot conversion figures. But those three ‘keepers in particular performed above their average against Liverpool and denied them points in the process.
