Deportivo Alavés are enduring an attacking drought that has now reached 360 minutes without a goal from open play, a slump that explains their run of four league matches without a win. The Babazorros have taken just one point from a possible twelve since their last victory, on September 6 against Osasuna, and have seen their goal output plummet dramatically.
The drought in numbers
In these four games, Alavés' goals have come exclusively from set pieces. Ville Koski scored from a corner in the defeat at Racing Santander and Lucas Boyé converted a penalty in their last match against Atlético Madrid. The last player to score from an elaborated move was Pablo Ibáñez, on that September 6, heading home a cross from Ángel Pérez. This lack of clarity in possession has broken a streak of 17 consecutive matches scoring at least once under manager Quique Sánchez Flores.
The volume of attacks into the opposition area has dropped. In the first four matchdays, the team averaged 13.5 shots and five on target per game. In the last four, those numbers have fallen to 10.25 shots and 3.5 on target. The effectiveness of their crossing, a primary weapon, has also decreased, going from 6.25 successful crosses per match to just 3.5.
Voices from the dressing room
Captain Antonio Blanco has analysed the issue. "We have four strikers who are titans and hold up the ball, but we have to get the ball to them in a better way so they can gain advantages," explained the midfielder. Manager Quique Sánchez Flores has also addressed the situation. "To defend well it's important to know how to attack. The key is not to get stuck in the phases," said the Madrid-born coach, who admitted it hurts to have grown accustomed to scoring and now not doing so.
The strike partnership of Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez, key last season with 25 league goals, has not been able to solidify this start to the campaign due to muscle problems. Martínez, who is yet to open his account this season, was pragmatic. "It's not something that keeps me up at night. I know how important goals are." confessed the Murcia-born forward.
Despite this dip, the cushion of points earned in the early weeks keeps Alavés in an optimal position in the table, close to the European qualification spots. The team now faces two key matches in six days, against Celta Vigo and Málaga, with an imperative need to start taking three points again. The full squad is available in the squad section. The demand for self-criticism is at its peak in Ibaia to correct a trend that has, for now, seen them take a step back in their possession game. Their next challenge is on Sunday at Balaídos.
