Game over for Arne Slot as historically poor stat comes to light | OneFootball

Liverpool have got many issues this season but the lack of control in the closing stages of games - particularly in added time - is a real problem.

Had Arne Slot’s side simply managed to preserve the game state in SEVEN selected matches beyond the 90-minute mark they would be nine points better off.

And that would mean conducting a potential Premier League title defence - sitting prettily in third on Manchester City’s shoulder - rather than scrapping it out just for a top-five finish.

It must be added that the Reds have flourished in injury time too - especially at the start of the season when they won two of their first four Premier League matches beyond 90 minutes.

Those were against Newcastle and Burnley - but they also got very late goals ensuring wins against Bournemouth on matchday one as well as Arsenal.

But driving for the line is something to be expected from defending Premier League champions - suffering collapses late on in matches as listed below is unacceptable.

Whether it’s a question of fitness or a capability to manage games, Arne Slot has really got to get this problem under control or else he risks missing out on the Champions League.

Historically poor performance

“Liverpool have lost five Premier League games after conceding in the 90th minute or later this season, the most ever by a team in a single campaign,” a report in the Athletic reads.

“With the two equalisers they have also let in during stoppage time, that’s nine points dropped in what is the most alarming issue in their faltering season.”

Liverpool fritter nine points away in added time

Crystal Palace 2–1 Liverpool: Ismaïla Sarr scored on 9 minutes, Federico Chiesa equalised on 87, and Eddie Nketiah hit the winner on 90+7. Points lost in added time: 1

Chelsea 2–1 Liverpool: Chelsea led 1–0, Liverpool levelled, and Estêvão scored the decisive winner on 90+5. Points lost in added time: 1

Leeds 3–3 Liverpool: Liverpool came from 2–0 down with a Szoboszlai goal on 80 minutes for 3–2, before Ao Tanaka equalised on 90+6. Points lost in added time: 2

Fulham 2–2 Liverpool: Harry Wilson opened the scoring, Florian Wirtz equalised, Cody Gakpo put Liverpool 2–1 up on 90+4, and Harrison Reed made it 2–2 with a long‑range strike on 90+7. ​ Points lost in added time: 2

Bournemouth 3–2 Liverpool: Bournemouth went 2–0 up, Szoboszlai levelled at 2–2 with a free‑kick on 80 minutes, and Amine Adli hit a 90+5 winner. ​Points lost in added time: 1

Liverpool 1–2 Man City: Dominik Szoboszlai gave Liverpool the lead on 74 minutes, before Bernardo Silva equalised on 84 and Erling Haaland won it from the penalty spot on 90+3. ​Points lost in added time: 1

Wolves 2–1 Liverpool: Rodrigo Gomes made it 1–0 on 78 minutes, Mohamed Salah equalised on 84, and André scored the 90+4 winner with a deflected shot from distance. Points lost in added time: 1

Don’t forget Harry Maguire’s late winner for Man Utd against Liverpool at Anfield either - costing the champions another point late on.

Even more frustrating in many of these matches Liverpool have got themselves into a good position very late on with equalisers or go-ahead goals only to see their work undone at the last.