With Arne Slot passing on a claim that Liverpool would be second without their goals conceded after the 90th-minute mark, we look at what the truth really is.
Among the Reds’ biggest failings this season has been their in-game management and inability to see games out – a weakness that was once again exposed as Tottenham salvaged a point at Anfield.
Liverpool have conceded five winning goals in stoppage time this season in the league – more than any team in a single campaign in the Premier League era.
In addition, they have had wins turned to draws on three occasions as a result of late opposition strikes.
This means that Liverpool have conceded a goal in the 90th minute or later to drop points in over a quarter of their league matches so far this season.
Before the Reds’ draw with Tottenham, Slot said: “I heard…if the games would have ended after 90 minutes we would have been second at the moment.”
However, that claim wasn’t quite right.
Without these late goals conceded, Liverpool would have an extra 11 points, taking them up to third place with 60 points.
This would leave them one point behind Man City and 10 off Arsenal, but they would still comfortably be qualifying for the Champions League.
Liverpool’s Premier League Late Drama
| Opponent | Score at 89′ | Final Score | Points +/- |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenham (H) | 1-0 | 1-1 | -2 |
| Wolves (A) | 1-1 | 2-1 | -1 |
| Forest (A) | 0-0 | 0-1 | +2 |
| Man City (H) | 1-1 | 1-2 | -1 |
| Bournemouth (A) | 2-2 | 3-2 | -1 |
| Fulham (A) | 1-1 | 2-2 | 0 |
| Leeds (A) | 2-3 | 3-3 | -2 |
| Chelsea (A) | 1-1 | 2-1 | -1 |
| Palace (A) | 1-1 | 2-1 | -1 |
| Burnley (A) | 0-0 | 0-1 | +2 |
| Newcastle (A) | 2-2 | 2-3 | +2 |
Total Net Impact: -3 Points
Instead, the Reds find themselves in a battle for the top five, sitting one point above Chelsea in fifth following the weekend’s results.
Of course, Liverpool haven’t only conceded late, they have also gained points in injury time, too.
The Reds have won three league matches with goals in or after the 90th minute, with two coming in the campaign’s opening four games, against Newcastle and Burnley away.
Key to Liverpool’s propensity to concede late goals this season has been their failure to control games in a way they managed so effectively last season.
The Reds’ draw against Tottenham turned into a basketball-like game in the second half, and there were several warning signs that the visitors could strike a late blow.
In the second half Igor Tudor’s side had five shots on target to Liverpool’s one, with Tottenham creating two big chances to the hosts’ one across the 90 minutes, according to FotMob.