Liverpool suffered yet another late setback in the Premier League, conceding an injury-time goal to Tottenham’s Richarlison in a 1-1 draw, leaving the Reds frustrated and fans booing at full-time.

Dominik Szoboszlai had given Liverpool an early lead in the 18th minute, but the team’s defensive lapses in the final moments cost them crucial points. “We have to wake up because if we carry on like this, we should be happy with the Conference League,” Szoboszlai said, reflecting on the recurring problem of conceding late goals this season.

Liverpool have now allowed eight goals in the 90th minute or later this campaign – the most in a single season in the club’s Premier League history – all of which have directly cost them points.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher warned that the pattern could jeopardize the club’s Champions League qualification. “This is an absolute disaster in terms of Champions League qualification,” he said, noting the team’s poor performance despite rivals dropping points.

Manager Arne Slot admitted the team’s defensive frailties: “We have conceded far too many goals to pick up the amount of points that this club and I am used to,” he told BBC Sport. Liverpool have also conceded 15 league goals from the 75th minute onwards, the highest in the Premier League.

One bright spot was 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, who impressed on his first Premier League start, completing seven dribbles – the most by a player on debut since May 2023. Slot praised his performance, saying it could earn him more minutes for the club.

Liverpool currently sit fifth in the table, one point ahead of Chelsea and two behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, making every remaining point vital in their push for next season’s Champions League.

With inputs from BBC