Unwanted Liverpool record highlights area Arne Slot must immediately address

Liverpool’s latest unwanted record underscores another glaring issue within the squad, one that Arne Slot must address quickly to prevent it from affecting results.

Arne Slot's side has achieved another unwanted record(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has recorded an unwanted milestone this season, conceding the joint-most late goals in a single Premier League season.

Dominik Szoboszlai netted a stunning free-kick, but Liverpool still fell to defeat against Manchester City, who also halted Arsenal from closing in further on the Premier League title. Bernardo Silva’s 84th-minute strike had briefly cancelled out Szoboszlai’s brilliant effort from 10 minutes earlier.

In stoppage time, Matheus Nunes was brought down inside the box by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, prompting referee Craig Pawson to award a penalty. Erling Haaland stepped up and calmly converted, marking his 21st Premier League goal of the season.

Liverpool has now conceded four 90th-minute winners in Premier League matches this season, matching the joint-highest total in a single campaign.

The Reds join the unwanted company of Watford (2017–18 and 2021–22), West Ham (2021–22), and Southampton (2024–25), highlighting a worrying pattern of late-game collapses.

Reflecting on the impact of the defeat to City, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: "It's a bad one. When you look at the league for Liverpool, it looks like a long way to get into the top five Champions League positions. There's a gap now. You can make that up but Liverpool will have to do well in the two cup competitions to save the season."

Reds head coach Arne Slot was also left disappointed by the result. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the Dutchman said: "Another great Liverpool-Man City game. We have seen it so many times over the years. This was another one but for us of course a very disappointing outcome.

"They were more comfortable on the ball than us in the first half but that didn't lead to many chances apart from Haaland in the first minute.

"But I think in the second half it was completely the opposite. I was waiting for a goal. When we got it, I was waiting for the second.

"But in one of the only moments in the second half they were in or around our box, it was a goal. That was a shame for us. We defended well and played well but we all saw what happened in stoppage time when we conceded the penalty."

On if he sees progression within his side, Slot added: "We know what the table looks like. But we also know there are a lot of games to be played. I said to the players, again, that they showed today what they are capable of.

"I definitely see progression but we also know there are not so many games to be played so there is not a lot of room for error or mistakes.

"It's another time, in my opinion, that we didn't get what we deserved. I can keep saying it but people will probable be annoyed. I try to analyze the game as fairly as possible and that's what I'm trying to do now."