Liverpool’s late, late shows: ‘Forget Fergie time - now it’s Arne Time’ | Goose Pod

Authors: Phil McNulty

Publisher:

BBC

Published: 9/14/2025

Language:English

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Tom Banks

Good morning 跑了松鼠好嘛, I'm Tom Banks, and this is Goose Pod for you. Today is Wednesday, September 17th. We're discussing a new phenomenon in football: Liverpool’s late, late shows.

Mask

They're calling it ‘Arne Time,’ a successor to the legendary ‘Fergie Time.’ It’s about winning, no matter how late the clock ticks. It’s about relentless, brutal efficiency.

Tom Banks

Let's get started. It's truly remarkable. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool has won four consecutive Premier League games with goals in the final ten minutes. It’s not just a fluke; it's becoming a pattern, a signature move for the champions this season.

Mask

A pattern of psychological dominance. Look at the Burnley match. Ninety-four minutes of grueling defense from them, only to be broken by a penalty in the final seconds. That isn’t luck, Tom. It’s the result of sustained, unbearable pressure. The opposition knows it’s coming.

Tom Banks

And that’s the fascinating part. Liverpool has already scored three goals after the 90th minute this season, which is more than all of last term. They've become the first team in Premier League history to win four straight games with such late winners.

Mask

History is irrelevant. What matters is the present. Slot said last season he wanted his team to score late winners, and now they are executing his vision perfectly. They are manufacturing victory from the jaws of a draw, which is the hallmark of a championship team.

Tom Banks

Of course, this immediately draws comparisons to Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. 'Fergie Time' was this legendary period where everyone felt United would inevitably score. The sight of him pointing to his watch was enough to create panic in the opposition's defense.

Mask

A myth, mostly. The data shows 'Fergie Time' was more perception than reality. Ferguson’s United won 16 games with 90th-minute goals, but guess who had more in the same period? Liverpool, with 24. This isn't a new trick for them; it's a core part of their DNA.

Tom Banks

That's a fantastic point. Anfield has seen the most last-minute winners of any stadium, 28 in total. So while we're calling it 'Arne Time' as a nod to the new era, it’s really a continuation of a deep-seated club tradition of fighting until the absolute final second.

Mask

Tradition doesn't win titles; relentless application of strategy does. The 'Fergie Time' narrative was a psychological weapon built on a few key moments, like Steve Bruce's winner in '93. Liverpool is weaponizing their history now, making opponents feel like they're fighting against ghosts of the past.

Tom Banks

And it's not just the big names. We saw teenager Rio Ngumoha score a 100th-minute winner against Newcastle. It speaks to a belief system that permeates the entire squad, from the seasoned veterans down to the youngest players making their mark on the team.

Tom Banks

But let's talk about the Burnley win. It was decided by a penalty, which always invites debate. The ball hit Hannibal Mejbri's outstretched arm from a cross. By the letter of the law it seems correct, but it felt so cruel after Burnley defended so bravely.

Mask

Cruelty is a component of success. The debate is pointless. Did his arm block a goal-bound cross? Yes. Was it in an unnatural position? Yes. Penalty. The 'controversy' is just noise created by teams who can't handle the pressure. Liverpool created the situation that forced the error.

Tom Banks

I see your point, but some fans argued that the sheer pressure of 'Arne Time' might subconsciously influence referees to give those marginal calls. When you're expecting a dramatic finish, maybe you're more inclined to see one, you know? It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Mask

That's a loser's mentality. If you want to avoid late drama, beat them in the first 90 minutes. Don't blame the referee or a 'prophecy' because your team couldn't maintain discipline for an extra five minutes. Liverpool earned that 'luck' through relentless attack. It’s not magic, it’s force.

Tom Banks

And the psychological impact of that force is undeniable. You can hear the groan from opposing fans when the added time board goes up. That anxiety seeps onto the pitch, creating tension and mistakes, just like the one Burnley made. It's a powerful weapon.

Mask

It's a clear title warning. It tells every other contender that even when Liverpool isn't playing well, they can still take all three points. Grinding out results when you're below-par is more terrifying to an opponent than a flashy 5-0 win. It shows an unbreakable will.

Tom Banks

Exactly. It builds this aura of invincibility. This belief, both within the team and among their rivals, that the game isn't over until Liverpool says it is. It's a heavy burden for opponents to carry in those final, exhausting minutes of a hard-fought match.

Tom Banks

Looking ahead, the big question is whether this can be sustained. It feels like a core part of Arne Slot's strategy now. The message is clear: never leave a Liverpool match early. This will likely define their title challenge for the rest of the entire season.

Mask

Sustained? It will be amplified. With players like Salah, who is predicted to score over 20 goals, this team is built for high-pressure moments. I see no drop-off from the Klopp era. They will be in the top four, and 'Arne Time' will be the reason why.

Tom Banks

That's all the time we have for today. Thank you for listening to Goose Pod. I'm Tom Banks.

Mask

And I'm Mask. We'll be back tomorrow to dissect another topic, just for you. See you then.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided news article, formatted in markdown: # Liverpool's Late, Late Shows: "Arne Time" Echoes "Fergie Time" **News Title:** Liverpool’s late, late shows: ‘Forget Fergie time - now it’s Arne Time’ **Report Provider:** BBC **Author:** Phil McNulty **Date Covered:** Recent Premier League matches, specifically the start of the current season (implied 2025-2026 season given the context of "last season" and "this season"). The article was published on September 14, 2025. **News Identifier:** URL: `https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cvg07nj09xjo` ## Main Findings and Conclusions The article highlights a significant trend in Liverpool's current Premier League campaign under manager Arne Slot: their uncanny ability to secure victories with late goals. This phenomenon has led to the coining of the phrase "Arne Time," drawing a direct parallel to the legendary "Fergie Time" associated with Sir Alex Ferguson's dominant Manchester United teams. Liverpool has won all four of their opening Premier League games with goals scored in the final 10 minutes or later, demonstrating a remarkable resilience and winning mentality. ## Key Statistics and Metrics * **Four Premier League Wins Out of Four:** All secured by late goals. * **Goals in the Final 10 Minutes or Later:** * **Bournemouth Match:** Liverpool scored in the 88th minute and the fourth minute of stoppage time to win 4-2 after conceding a 2-0 lead. * **Newcastle United Match:** Teenager Rio Ngumoha scored a 100th-minute winner. * **Arsenal Match:** Dominik Szoboszlai scored seven minutes from time. * **Burnley Match:** Mohamed Salah scored from a penalty in the dying seconds of five minutes of added time. * **90+ Minute Goals This Season:** Liverpool has already scored **3** goals in the 90th minute or later this season. This is more than they scored in the entirety of the previous season (where two such goals came in the same game against Brentford in January, scored by Darwin Nunez). * **Premier League Record:** Liverpool has become the **first side in Premier League history to win four consecutive games with winning goals scored in the final 10 minutes or later.** * **Club Record Run of Scoring:** Liverpool has extended their club record to **38 top-flight games in which they have scored.** The last time they failed to find the net was a year prior to the article's publication (September 14, 2024). * **Upcoming Match Goal Run Target:** Liverpool will aim to equal Tottenham's run of **39** matches without failing to score when they face Everton at Anfield next weekend. Arsenal holds the overall record with **55** games. * **Burnley Match Details:** * Burnley was reduced to **10 men** after Lesley Ugochukwu was sent off in the **84th minute**. * Burnley substitute Hannibal committed a handball in the **dying seconds of five minutes of added time**, leading to Liverpool's winning penalty. ## Significant Trends or Changes * **Emergence of "Arne Time":** The article posits that "Arne Time" is the new equivalent of "Fergie Time," signifying Liverpool's consistent ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat or secure wins in the closing moments of matches. * **Psychological Impact on Opponents:** This late-goal-scoring habit is creating a significant psychological impact on opposing teams and fans. An "audible groan" from opposing fans is now common when the board for added time goes up, indicating anxiety about a potential late Liverpool winner. * **Demonstration of Steel and Winning Mentality:** Despite not always playing at their peak, Liverpool's ability to secure wins through late goals highlights their "steel," "strength of character," and a "winning mentality." * **Manager's Instructions Fulfilled:** Arne Slot's stated desire from January of the previous season to "make a late goal winner" is now being consistently fulfilled. ## Notable Risks or Concerns * **Not Yet at Their Best:** The fact that Liverpool has relied on late goals in all four of their opening wins suggests they have "not yet been near their best this season." This is presented as a "frightening prospect" for their challengers. * **Burnley's Cruel Defeat:** The result was described as "so cruel on Burnley," who had mounted "fierce resistance" and were "superbly organised" to frustrate Liverpool. Burnley manager Scott Parker was "devastated." ## Material Financial Data * **£125m Striker:** The article mentions that Liverpool has a "£125m striker Alexander Isak waiting in the wings," indicating significant financial investment in their squad. ## Managerial and Player Quotes * **Arne Slot (January):** "One of the things I would like us to do better in the second half of the season than the first half, although it wasn't necessary that many times, is to make a late goal winner. Hopefully we don't come to these situations a lot but we definitely, if we are coming in those situations, have one, two or three times a moment where we do score in the last minute of the game when we deserve it." * **Arne Slot (After Burnley Match):** "Compliments to Burnley for the way they defended. It was difficult for us to find an opening and a few times we were close. If we had scored, the game may have been open, but because we didn't they did the same thing. We had to wait until the end phase of the second half and in the final stages we got what were hoping for. There is a chance it will fall in the way you want, but it was difficult because they had players behind the ball. We needed a moment of luck, or a moment of magic. We didn't have the magic but we had the luck. You are hoping and trying to make it more difficult, but they were strong." ## Historical Context and Comparisons * **"Fergie Time":** The article explicitly draws a parallel to Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, whose teams were known for their late comebacks and winning goals, often described as "Fergie Time." * **Scott Parker's Past:** The article notes that the last time Scott Parker managed against Liverpool, it resulted in a **9-0** thrashing for his Bournemouth side at Anfield in August 2022, leading to his sacking days later. His near-redemption at Burnley was thwarted by "Arne Time." * **Brian Clough Adage:** The article references Brian Clough's adage: "it only takes a second to score a goal." ## Key Player Mentions * Mohamed Salah * Rio Ngumoha * Dominik Szoboszlai * Darwin Nunez * Lesley Ugochukwu (sent off) * Jeremie Frimpong * Hannibal (committed handball) * Alexander Isak (mentioned as waiting in the wings) * Federico Chiesa (had a free header wide) * Martin Dubraka (Burnley keeper who made saves)

Liverpool’s late, late shows: ‘Forget Fergie time - now it’s Arne Time’

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Image source, EPAImage caption, Arne Slot's Liverpool have now won their four Premier League games with late goals Liverpool's flawless start to the defence of their Premier League crown is now being aided by an aura from another age.What was once "Fergie Time" is now "Arne Time".It was a phrase used to describe the uncanny habit Sir Alex Ferguson's all-conquering Manchester United side had of breaking opponents' hearts with late, late shows.

The sight of teams slumped on the turf and opposing managers stunned while Ferguson and his players cavorted on the sidelines became a constant narrative as a great team achieved great successes.They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery – and now we have Arne Slot's Liverpool repeating the old Ferguson punishment as they relentlessly pursue victories and trophies.

Liverpool's latest journey into "Arne Time" came at Turf Moor on Sunday after Scott Parker's Burnley resisted magnificently to move within seconds of becoming the first team to take points from the champions this season.And then, with tired legs and tired minds taking over and Burnley down to 10 men after Lesley Ugochukwu was sent off after 84 minutes, Liverpool did it again.

In the dying seconds of five minutes of added time, Burnley substitute Hannibal recklessly handled Jeremie Frimpong's cross, leaving Mohamed Salah to complete the formalities from the penalty spot.Liverpool had done it again. And done it in "Arne Time".The Reds have four Premier League wins out of four, all secured by late – some very, very late – goals.

Liverpool scored in the 88th minute, then in the fourth minute of stoppage time, to beat Bournemouth 4-2 in their opening game at Anfield, after they had conceded a 2-0 lead. Teenager Rio Ngumoha bagged a 100th-minute winner at Newcastle United, again after Liverpool had been two up.Dominik Szoboszlai's decisive free-kick against Arsenal came seven minutes from time – and Salah followed suit with only seconds left at Burnley.

As far as Slot's Liverpool is concerned, this is a new phenomenon.Liverpool have already scored more 90th+ minute goals this season (3) than last term, with both in 2024-25 coming in the same game against Brentford in January, when Darwin Nunez struck twice.In this recent run, Liverpool have become the first side in Premier League history to win four consecutive games with winning goals scored in the final 10 minutes or later.

The goal also extended Liverpool's club record run to 38 top-flight games in which they have scored - the last time they failed to find the net was a year ago on Sunday.They will aim to equal Tottenham's run of 39 matches next weekend when they face Everton at Anfield, with Arsenal holding the record on 55 games.

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Burnley manager Scott Parker was devastated after Liverpool's stoppage-time penalty condemns his side to defeatWith this comes a psychological impact that adds to Liverpool's wide range of weapons.As in the prime "Fergie Time" days, there is now an audible groan from opposing fans when the board goes up for added time when Liverpool are seeking a winner.

It happened when "11" went up with the score 2-2 at St James' Park. It was the same at Burnley when "5" flashed up beneath The Bob Lord Stand.It all adds to the opposition's anxiety and Liverpool's power.As the game ticks towards its conclusion, Liverpool are now inside opponents' heads, striking fear that a late goal is coming.

This result was so cruel on Burnley, but no-one is safe, no points are taken against Liverpool, until the final whistle has sounded.In their own dramatic way, Liverpool are actually carrying out Slot's instructions from last season.He said in January: "One of the things I would like us to do better in the second half of the season than the first half, although it wasn't necessary that many times, is to make a late goal winner."

Hopefully we don't come to these situations a lot but we definitely, if we are coming in those situations, have one, two or three times a moment where we do score in the last minute of the game when we deserve it."Slot said after those demands had been satisfied once more at Turf Moor: "Compliments to Burnley for the way they defended.

It was difficult for us to find an opening and a few times we were close."If we had scored, the game may have been open, but because we didn't they did the same thing. We had to wait until the end phase of the second half and in the final stages we got what were hoping for."There is a chance it will fall in the way you want, but it was difficult because they had players behind the ball.

We needed a moment of luck, or a moment of magic. "We didn't have the magic but we had the luck. You are hoping and trying to make it more difficult, but they were strong."The fact Liverpool have needed late goals in their first four Premier League wins illustrates that they have not yet been near their best this season – a frightening prospect for those hoping to take their crown off them, and with £125m striker Alexander Isak waiting in the wings.

Slot kept Isak back at Burnley, believing he was better employed working on his match fitness ahead of Wednesday's Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.It also, more significantly, shows the steel that runs through this Liverpool side. Strength of character to accompany the skill.

A winning mentality attuned to the old adage of another managerial great, Brian Clough's "it only takes a second to score a goal".Liverpool have not quite been winning ugly, but it has not been pretty. Ominous signs for their challengers.In the usual hostile Turf Moor atmosphere, Burnley mounted fierce resistance and were superbly organised to frustrate Liverpool.

The last time Scott Parker managed against Liverpool, it ended in a 9-0 thrashing for Bournemouth at Anfield in August 2022, a humiliation that resulted in his sacking days later.Here, Parker was 30 seconds from redemption as he set Burnley up superbly, with Liverpool restricted by keeper Martin Dubraka's saves from Szoboszlai and Frimpong, while a free header was directed wide by Federico Chiesa when the defensive stranglehold was loosened for once.

It was all to no avail. "Arne Time" was still to come.More on this story