Slot Admits Fearing the Worst as Liverpool Struggle Before Late Goals

Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Liverpool's resilience after they scored two late goals to secure a 2-0 win, extending their Premier League lead.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted that he feared the worst for his team as Liverpool struggled to break down their defense, despite creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, substitute Darwin Nunez scored twice in stoppage time to secure a dramatic 2-0 victory for the Reds, extending their Premier League lead.

Liverpool dominated the match, accumulating 35 shots in 90 minutes of regular time. However, Brentford's low block and dogged defending had seemingly thwarted the visitors' efforts. Back-to-back league draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest had raised hopes that second-placed Arsenal could close the gap on early pace-setters Liverpool.

However, Nunez's late brace turned the match on its head, silencing the Brentford fans who had mocked him when he was introduced as a substitute. Slot acknowledged that he had feared his team's defensive resilience would ultimately be breached. “Yes, of course, I had doubts about that because, before we scored the two goals, it felt as if I was looking at the same game again and again and again... ” he told reporters.

Slot expressed his concern that Liverpool's profligacy in front of goal might ultimately prove costly. “So many times in recent weeks, against Tottenham (Hotspur in the League Cup) as well, we missed a lot of chances. Against Forest, we missed a lot, so it would have been a bit surprising if I felt 'OK, after all these chances missed today, we will probably score in the last five minutes'.”

Despite his doubts, Slot praised Liverpool's players for proving him wrong. “But the boys, the players proved me wrong again,” he said, acknowledging that Nunez's late goals had ultimately secured the win for the Reds.

"So many chances, so much better" 💪

Arne Slot highlights the similarities between Liverpool's performances against Brentford and Nottingham Forest 🐝🌳 pic.twitter.com/Va6FkInUBe

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 18, 2025

Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager, offered an interesting perspective on Liverpool's recent performances, suggesting that they are not necessarily going through a spell of poor form. Despite their struggles in front of goal, Slot pointed out that the underlying statistics, such as expected goals, tell a different story. “There's nothing changed with us between now and the start of the season,” he said, implying that Liverpool's performances have been consistent, even if the results haven't always followed.

Slot did acknowledge, however, that Liverpool have been finding it harder to convert their chances into goals of late. “What you do see is that it is, at this moment of time, a bit harder for us to convert our chances into goals,” he said. This struggle was evident in their recent matches, including the win against Brentford, where they required two late goals from Darwin Nunez to secure the victory.

The absence of Diogo Jota from the squad may not help Liverpool's goal-scoring woes, but Slot is confident that Nunez can continue to contribute. “He's having a good season,” Slot said of the Uruguayan striker. “He scores goals, he works very hard for the team, he assists, but he's in competition with a lot of good players, so that's why he's not every single game on the pitch. But I'm very happy with him.”