Liverpool are exhibiting ‘Fergie Time’ tendencies under Arne Slot, securing late wins in their Premier League matches. The team’s resilience and ability to score crucial goals in the dying moments have propelled them to a perfect start, drawing comparisons to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.
Liverpool's impressive start to their Premier League title defense is increasingly characterized by a trait reminiscent of a bygone era. The phenomenon once famously known as 'Fergie Time' is now arguably becoming 'Arne Time' at Anfield.
The term 'Fergie Time' was coined to describe Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United's uncanny ability to snatch victories from the jaws of draws with late goals, often leaving opponents heartbroken. Ferguson's sides were notorious for scoring in the dying moments, a pattern that became synonymous with their dominance and success.
Now, under Arne Slot, Liverpool are seemingly channeling that same spirit, relentlessly pursuing victories until the final whistle. This season, they have secured wins with late goals, demonstrating a resilience and determination reminiscent of Ferguson's legendary teams.
Liverpool's recent match against Burnley at Turf Moor perfectly exemplified this trend. Despite a valiant defensive effort from Scott Parker's Burnley, who seemed poised to become the first team to take points off the champions, Liverpool struck late to secure the win. The game, already tense, took a further dramatic turn when Lesley Ugochukwu was sent off in the 84th minute, leaving Burnley with 10 men.
In the dying seconds of added time, a handball by Burnley substitute Hannibal from a Jeremie Frimpong cross provided Mohamed Salah with the opportunity to score from the penalty spot, which he duly converted. This late goal epitomized Liverpool's newfound habit of securing late victories.
Image source, EPAArne Slot's Liverpool have now won their four Premier League games with late goals
Liverpool's perfect start to the season includes four Premier League wins, each secured with late goals. This recurring pattern has led to comparisons with Manchester United's 'Fergie Time,' highlighting Liverpool's ability to perform under pressure.
Earlier in the season, Liverpool scored in the 88th minute and in the fourth minute of stoppage time to secure a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield, showcasing their determination to fight back even after conceding a 2-0 lead. Similarly, a dramatic 100th-minute winner by Rio Ngumoha against Newcastle United further emphasized their never-say-die attitude.
Dominik Szoboszlai's decisive free-kick against Arsenal, scored seven minutes from time, and Salah's late penalty against Burnley all contributed to this growing narrative of 'Arne Time' at Liverpool. This trend marks a significant departure from previous seasons, where such late-goal heroics were less frequent.
Remarkably, Liverpool have already surpassed their total of 90th+ minute goals from last season, demonstrating their improved ability to capitalize on late-game opportunities. Their current run has seen them become the first team in Premier League history to win four consecutive games with winning goals scored in the final 10 minutes or later, a testament to their resilience and tactical adjustments.
Liverpool's scoring streak now extends to a club-record 38 top-flight games, with their last failure to find the net occurring a year ago. They will aim to equal Tottenham's run of 39 matches and eventually challenge Arsenal's record of 55 games, underscoring their consistent attacking threat.
The psychological impact of these late wins cannot be overstated. Just as 'Fergie Time' instilled fear in opponents, 'Arne Time' is now causing anxiety among teams facing Liverpool. The audible groans from opposing fans when the added time board goes up reflect a growing belief that Liverpool are capable of scoring at any moment.
Liverpool's ability to get inside their opponents' heads is adding to their power. The opposition feels that no points are safe until the final whistle. In this context, Liverpool are fulfilling Slot's ambition from last season, which was to score more late-winning goals.
The manager had highlighted the importance of scoring late goals, expressing his desire for the team to improve in this area. He stated, 'One of the things I would like us to do better in the second half of the season than the first half, although it wasn't necessary that many times, is to make a late goal winner.'
Slot acknowledged Burnley's defensive efforts in the recent match, praising their organization and resilience. However, he emphasized that Liverpool persisted and ultimately found a way to win. He noted, 'Compliments to Burnley for the way they defended. It was difficult for us to find an opening and a few times we were close.'
Slot concluded that Liverpool needed a moment of luck or magic to break through Burnley's defense. While magic didn't arrive, luck was on their side, as they continued their winning run. Liverpool's consistent need for late goals suggests that they have not yet reached their peak performance level. This is a warning to their title rivals, particularly with Alexander Isak, the £125m striker, waiting to contribute.
Slot chose to keep Isak out of the Burnley game, focusing on his match fitness ahead of the Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid. This decision underscores the strength and depth of Liverpool's squad.
Liverpool's ability to grind out wins, even when not at their best, is a sign of their mental fortitude and character. It reflects the old adage of Brian Clough, who famously said, 'It only takes a second to score a goal.'
While Liverpool's wins have not always been pretty, they have been effective, and these ominous signs send a warning to their title challengers.
Burnley manager Scott Parker, who previously suffered a 9-0 defeat against Liverpool while managing Bournemouth, came close to redemption with a well-organized defensive setup. Despite limiting Liverpool's chances and frustrating their attacking efforts, Parker's efforts were ultimately undone by 'Arne Time.'
Keeper Martin Dubraka made crucial saves to deny Szoboszlai and Frimpong, while Federico Chiesa directed a free header wide when the defensive pressure eased. However, these efforts proved insufficient as Liverpool's late penalty sealed a cruel defeat for Burnley and underscored the growing phenomenon of 'Arne Time'.