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

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.