Arne Slot believes Liverpool is now finding it harder to convert chances into goals because of how opponents are defending against it, with Darwin Nunez the hero off the bench this weekend.

Liverpool had drawn with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in 2025 before it took until second-half stoppage time to find the breakthrough at Brentford. There was also a 1-0 defeat to Spurs in the Carabao Cup.

Taking an average of over 26 shots per match in the Premier League in the new year but with only five points out of a possible nine to show for it, Liverpool hasn't been as clinical as it should have been. And that hasn't been helped by Diogo Jota picking up an injury.

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"What you do see is that at this moment in time, it’s harder for us to convert our chances into goals," Slot said during his post-match press conference at Brentford.

"That’s not only up to us, that’s also because teams throw themselves in front of every ball every time we get a chance. So many of the other teams try to prevent us from scoring because all of them are in a low block."

Slot also spoke about how Nunez is best used in the last 30 minutes of a game where there is more space. At that point, the Uruguayan should have more gaps to run into as defenses tire.

"He's always having a lot of impact when he comes in," Slot told the BBC. "He brings energy and power. Most of our games are the last half hour in control around 18 yards, and that's where he's at his best. The first hour is often open but the last 30 minutes dominant. Then to have someone like Darwin is nice to have."

Luis Diaz has mainly been playing as the number nine recently but with his goalscoring touch having reduced and Nunez likely to remain an impact player from the bench more often than not, much emphasis will fall on Jota. There will also be pressure on the Liverpool midfield to help break down low-block defenses, with Dominik Szoboszlai currently in good form.

Longer-term, Slot might have to adjust his plan for especially deep opponents. In his style, though, keeping the ball and penning a team back is the aim of the game, so it should already be something he has a good idea of how to fix. Ultimately, Jota will be a big part of that with the Portugal striker capable of grabbing a goal just from a snapshot.

Liverpool.com says: Having Jota back ASAP will go a long way toward solving the issue. If anyone on the Liverpool roster can take a chance clinically and out of nowhere, it is him, as he proved against Nottingham Forest midweek.