Liverpool’s late wins have become a defining feature of Arne Slot’s side this season. These dramatic moments have drawn comparisons to Fergie time, the famous knack Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United had for late goals that turned draws into victories.
Yet another one came in the Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday, September 17, when Virgil van Dijk scored in injury time to seal a 3-2 victory.
Liverpool took a 2-0 lead early on in the match, but Atletico scored twice to draw the game level. Van Dijk’s header in injury time then secured three points for the Reds, and it was yet another late win for the Premier League champions, which has been a regular feature for them this season.
Arne Slot’s men won their match against Burnley last weekend through a late penalty. Prior to that, they scored two late goals to beat AFC Bournemouth in another Premier League match.
Liverpool’s Late Wins Underline Similarity With Manchester United of the Past
This is not the first time one is experiencing a regular late surge from a top team in the Premier League. Sir Alex Ferguson’s brilliant Manchester United side did it on a regular basis, including in that famous Champions League final at Camp Nou in 1999 against Bayern Munich.
‘Fergie time’, a term coined to denote United’s ability to score late goals to win matches, which often coincided with Sir Alex tapping his watch as injury time started in a match, made the term famous.
It also stood for United’s resolve as a team, which is often the hallmark of great teams, and separates the great ones from the good ones.
Slot’s men have seasoned campaigners like Van Dijk and Salah in their ranks, who are used to winning matches and titles. Hence, the supporters can always expect them to turn things around when the situation demands so, making Liverpool’s late wins this season feel like a throwback to that relentless era of Fergie time.
In the 2024/25 season, the Reds drew only nine of their 38 matches and managed to emerge victorious in 25 matches. Their ability to grind out results is what gave them a 10-point lead over second-placed Arsenal by the end of the season.
Ferguson’s Manchester United, however, sustained their excellence for around two decades, winning 13 Premier League and two Champions League titles in the process.
For Slot’s side, replicating that kind of longevity will mean keeping up Liverpool’s late wins over many more seasons, in the same way United relied on Fergie time.
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The Modern Version of Fergie Time?
Liverpool will host Everton next weekend in the first Merseyside derby of the season. Should they be able to win that match, it will give them 15 points from their first five matches.
They have had a brilliant transfer window this summer and remain the favourites to retain their league title.
Alexander Isak, who signed for the club after much controversy, made his Liverpool debut by starting against Atletico Madrid. He had a decent match overall. Isak’s form is going to be very critical for the Reds in their pursuit of multiple glory this season.
However, it is their ability to hold themselves together as a team and squeeze out late victories that is setting them apart this season.
Their supporters will hope that Liverpool’s late wins continue, proving that the Reds have forged their own version of Fergie time – and that Liverpool’s late wins will remain the trademark of Slot’s era, making it ‘Arne time.’
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
Recording Date: 17.09.2025