Liverpool love late drama. Can Slot fix their slow starts? - ESPN

ESPN

by Beth Lindop

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Liverpool’s ability to produce last-gasp goals has become both a hallmark of their style and a source of frustration this season. With seven league games decided by winning goals in stoppage time—a record in Premier League history—the club’s late drama often swings between thrilling victories and narrow escapes. Manager Arne Slot acknowledged the luck involved in Sunday’s 97th-minute win against Nottingham Forest, calling it more than they deserved despite their perseverance. This propensity for late goals is deeply ingrained in Liverpool’s identity, a legacy from the Klopp era when they were dubbed “mentality monsters.” Their resilience has brought domestic and European success, but under Slot, this season has seen inconsistency. While they have shown moments of tenacity, particularly highlighted by Virgil van Dijk, their performance in the first half against Forest was poor, raising questions about their ability to maintain dominance throughout games. Slot faces the challenge of balancing this late-game heroism with a need for more consistent performances. The risk of relying on stoppage-time wins is evident, especially when key players like Darwin Nascimento are unavailable for game-changing substitutions. As Liverpool aim to secure Champions League qualification, they must find ways to exert control earlier in matches and reduce reliance on dramatic last-minute outcomes. For fans, the late drama adds excitement but also underscores the fragility of their current form. While the club’s mental strength remains a asset, it is critical for Slot to address slow starts and improve overall consistency. The question of how to sustain this winning mentality

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/24/2026