Liverpool

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The guard is a ground grappling position where one combatant has their back to the ground, while attempting to control the other combatant using the legs. In pure grappling combat sports, the guard is considered an advantageous position, because the bottom combatant can attack with various joint locks and chokeholds, while the top combatant's priority is to transition into a more dominant position, a process known as passing the guard.  

The guard is a key part of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where it is used as an offensive position. - Wikipedia

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The operative idea here is:

• The winning side has more points ... but
• Its priority, at the moment, is not to attack ... whereas
• The losing side DOES wish to attack ... so
• The losing side has the initiative (the greater ability to threaten) ... and
• The blow landed by the losing side will probably put it in the lead

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One application of this Grand Theme is in soccer.    In the English Premier League, the "most dangerous score" is considered 2-1.  Probably you were up 2-0, which is a huge lead, but ... then you gave up a goal.  And now guess what?  The losing side "has its tail up" as the limeys say, and the winning side is scared spitless.  If they botch this, they'll really be in for it the next day.

I spent the last five years watching the Arsenal Gunners take 2-0 leads, then give up a goal, and ... go catatonic the rest of the game, waiting for the death blow to fall.

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=== Colossal Match ===

If you're fancying joining me in watching the Arsenal-Bolton game this Wednesday on Fox Soccer Channel, here's a primer as to the majesty you'll be witnessing :- )