Liverpool fans might have once been quietly irritated when Manchester United supporters celebrated the legendary “Fergie Time,” the phenomenon of Sir Alex Ferguson’s sides snatching victories deep into stoppage time.
Now, there is a new twist at Anfield. Arne Slot’s Liverpool are showing an uncanny knack for scoring decisive late goals, and supporters are already dubbing it “Arne Time.”
The Reds have begun their Premier League title defence in dramatic fashion. Four games, four wins, every single one secured with goals in the dying minutes. That pattern has added a psychological edge to their performances, leaving opponents fearful that no lead or stalemate is safe until the final whistle.
The latest example came on Wednesday night in the Champions League against Atlético Madrid. Liverpool raced into a two-goal lead inside six minutes, thanks to Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, and it looked as if the work was done. But Atlético, spurred on by Marcos Llorente, clawed back to make it 2-2. Deep into stoppage time, Virgil van Dijk rose highest to head in the winner in the 92nd minute. Once again, it was “Arne Time.”
This pattern is not a one-off. Liverpool scored in the 88th and 94th minutes to beat Bournemouth on the opening day. At Newcastle, teenager Rio Ngumoha grabbed a stunning 100th-minute winner after the team had squandered a two-goal lead. Dominik Szoboszlai’s decisive free-kick against Arsenal came just seven minutes from time. Then Salah struck against Burnley with seconds left. And now Van Dijk delivered the dramatic late winner in Europe.
Incredibly, Liverpool have already scored more 90th-minute goals this season than they managed across the entire 2024/25 campaign. They have become the first side in Premier League history to win four straight matches with winners in the final ten minutes. That is a record Ferguson himself would have admired.
The impact is about more than points. Rival supporters now groan when the board goes up for added time, knowing Slot’s team still has a chance to strike. Just as “Fergie Time” used to rattle opponents psychologically, “Arne Time” is quickly building the same aura. Teams know they must hold out not for 90 minutes, but for 95 or more.
Slot himself hinted at this ambition months ago. Back in January, he said he wanted Liverpool to become a side capable of nicking late winners when games demanded it. Now, his squad are living out that vision, with grit, patience, and a touch of good fortune when it matters most.
That does not mean Liverpool have been at their fluent best. Needing last-gasp goals in four straight games suggests they still have gears left to hit. With £125m striker Alexander Isak being carefully eased back to fitness, and new signings still finding rhythm, this Liverpool team could become even more formidable once the performances match the results.
Liverpool’s ability to grind out wins without playing sparkling football is ominous for their rivals. It shows a steel and mentality that champions need. Slot’s side may not always win pretty, but as long as “Arne Time” keeps ticking, it is hard to see anyone prising the Premier League crown or challenging their Champions League ambitions away from Anfield.
