Alisson says Liverpool’s third straight clean sheet in the Premier League should give them confidence for the rest of the season as they sort out their early defensive woes.
Liverpool had consecutive 2-2 draws with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest to start the Andoni Iraura era, but they never took the lead in any game and the defense looked shaky.
However, things have been different since beating Ipswich Town 2-0 thanks to Alexander Isak’s brace on September 4, with a 0-0 draw at Fulham on Sunday followed by a 1-0 win over Illaura’s former club Bournemouth.
In the Premier League this season, only Arsenal (4.04) and Forest (4.8) have a lower expected goals against (xGA) than Liverpool’s 6.12, while Leeds United and Everton (3 each) are the only teams to concede less than four goals.
Alisson, meanwhile, has the fifth-best save percentage in the league (77.8%) and has also prevented 0.8 goals according to Opta’s expected goals against (xGoT) model.
The Brazil international produced a fine save at the Vitality Stadium to keep out Evan Nelson’s impromptu effort near the post from the right, and could feel the Reds’ backline growing more assured with every save.
“I think every away game in the Premier League is tough. You have to fight a lot and this is no different for us,” he told the Liverpool website.
“I don’t think it was the cleanest performance we had but those games, if you don’t play well then you still win – and keep a clean sheet – I think that gives confidence for the rest of the season as well.”
Another key factor in Liverpool’s defensive improvement has been the form of new centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who was named man of the match after Sunday’s win.
— Liverpool Football Club (@LFC) September 21, 2026
Only Alexis McAllister (seven) has won possession more times at Liverpool than the 21-year-old (six, level with Ronald Araujo), and he has won three of them in four games.
But as Alisson pointed out, playing alongside a defender like Virgil van Dijk has made the youngster’s adaptation smoother.
“I thought Jeremy played really well. Virgil, the back four, Ronald, Milos [Kerkez]And the midfielders, they helped us a lot defensively. Everyone fights a lot,” Alisson continued.
“Of course, Jeremy has so much ability but I don’t think playing alongside Virgil van Dijk is the most difficult job in the world! Virgil helps him a lot too.
“I’m also trying to help Ronald, he makes our defense more solid and he’s making plays. So, we’re really happy to have them around us.”
Illara is the first manager since Joe Fagan in September 1983 to go unbeaten in Liverpool’s first five league games (W2D3) and will hope to maintain that good start against Manchester City on October 11.