Steve Nicol has hailed Liverpool’s Clean-Sheet Run After Bournemouth Victory
Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has highlighted the importance of Reds' recent defensive improvement after they secured a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Alexander Isak’s second-half goal proved decisive on Sunday, but Liverpool’s ability to protect their lead and record another clean sheet was equally significant, particularly on an afternoon when their overall attacking performance left plenty to be desired.
The victory marked the Reds' third consecutive Premier League clean sheet, a run that has provided a much-needed defensive platform under Andoni Iraola.
Speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol admitted that Liverpool were far from their best but was pleased that they were able to leave Bournemouth with all three points.
He stressed the value of keeping clean sheets, particularly given the quality Liverpool possess in attacking areas. In this view, maintaining defensive solidity gives the team an opportunity to collect positive results even when performances are below their usual standards.
That was evident at Bournemouth. Liverpool struggled to establish control during periods of the match, while Alisson Becker was required to make an important save to deny Evanilson in the first half. Nevertheless, the Reds remained organised and protected their advantage after Isak opened the scoring.
Nicol believes this type of result can provide a foundation for further improvement, as victories can help create greater confidence and momentum within the squad.
“I’m absolutely delighted, with the way they played, to come away with three points. I said a couple of weeks ago, if I could get Liverpool to just keep clean sheets – if you do that, because they have got talented players, you’ve always got a chance of getting something, and that’s exactly what happened in this game.
“These teams could’ve swapped strips and you wouldn’t have known who was who. That’s how bang average Liverpool were today, but they got a win. Now, when you get three points, you can build from it. There’s a different atmosphere around the place when you get a win, particularly away from home.
“The performance was rotten. In terms of going forward, it was desperate. It took us 57 minutes to get the goal, and even after that there wasn’t another chance, so I’m delighted – three points away at Bournemouth [despite] not playing well, but it’s a clean sheet, and that’s how you start. That’s how you get things going.”
The defensive progress has also been acknowledged by Andoni Iraola. Following the Bournemouth victory, the Liverpool head coach pointed to the growing understanding between Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araújo and Milos Kerkez, suggesting that increased time together is helping the defensive unit become more cohesive.
Jacquet, in particular, continues to attract attention. The young defender was voted Liverpool’s Player of the Match by supporters following another impressive performance at Bournemouth, helping the Reds secure their latest clean sheet.
Alisson has also welcomed the improvement. The goalkeeper said that winning matches in which Liverpool do not perform at their best, while still keeping a clean sheet, can provide confidence for the rest of the season.
Liverpool will undoubtedly need to improve their attacking output as the season progresses, but the recent defensive consistency offers Iraola an encouraging foundation to build upon.
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