Liverpools Late Winners Spark Debate on Luck vs Champion Mentality in Premier League

Liverpool has secured four straight Premier League wins with goals in the final 10 minutes, a league record, followed by Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time strike in a 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico. With new signings like Wirtz and Isak settling in, the Reds remain unbeaten, sparking debate on whether it’s resilience or fortune.

During the opening weeks of the 2025-26 season, Liverpool has carved a reputation for late drama, winning crucial matches with goals in the final minutes. Arne Slot’s side has already registered four straight Premier League victories sealed after the 80th minute, a first in league history. Federico Chiesa struck in the 88th minute against Bournemouth, Rio Ngumoha netted in the 100th minute to down Newcastle, Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning 32-yard free-kick toppled Arsenal in the 83rd minute, and Mohamed Salah converted a stoppage-time penalty to beat Burnley.

The trend continued in Europe, with Virgil van Dijk heading a 92nd-minute winner in a 3-2 Champions League triumph over Atletico Madrid. While critics like Paul Merson argue Liverpool has been “gifted” points, others, including Gary Neville and Roy Keane, see the resilience as a sign of champions. Clinton Morrison stressed it cannot be pure luck given the consistency.

The Reds are also adjusting to new signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, with both impressing against Atletico. Despite vulnerabilities in defense after missing out on Marc Guehi, Liverpool has now scored in 38 straight league games since September 2024. The late winners highlight both the team’s flaws and its unrelenting will to succeed.