Blood Red: The Liverpool FC Podcast Liverpool fail in Burnley draw - what is holding them back?
Jan 19, 2026
Theo Squires, a football journalist known for his tactical insights, and Mark Jones, a Liverpool Echo journalist, dive into Liverpool's frustrating 1-1 draw with Burnley. They discuss the missed penalty, the team's struggle to convert possession into goals, and manager Arne Slot's in-game decisions. The pair also examine the recurring issues of set-piece defending and breaking down low blocks. They ponder whether Slot is fitting for the long term and how Mohamed Salah's return could change team dynamics.
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Chance Creation Versus Finishing Gap
- Liverpool created high-quality chances (xG ~2.96) yet drew 1-1 with Burnley, showing finishing rather than chance creation was the issue.
- The result felt more deflating because Liverpool dominated but failed to convert opportunities against a weak opponent.
Hot Tub Match Update
- Theo missed the Burnley game and spent the second half relaxing in a hot tub while his partner checked the score.
- He learned the equaliser via a phone notification rather than watching live.
Confidence Collapses After Conceding
- The panel highlights a recurring pattern: Liverpool create but collapse after conceding, showing fragile confidence.
- Set-piece and low-block struggles persist as season-long vulnerabilities.