Liverpool claimed three precious points thanks to Darwin Nunez’s 99th-minute header against Nottingham Forest, but it would be foolish to fall into the trap of thinking the Reds will always win

It’s easy to believe Liverpool’s name is written on the Premier League trophy because of the number of late winners they have scored.

Even Darwin Nunez’s 99th-minute winner at Nottingham Forest set new standards for them and it is the latest clincher they have scored in the Premier League.

But this feeling that Liverpool will always score is a dangerous trap to fall into. Yes, it plays on the minds of opponents that Liverpool will score and can boost the Reds.

But it’s much better to win without drama and save everyone’s frayed nerves.

Liverpool have had so many near misses this season that it’s hard to see their luck continuing.

Take Fulham at home and they only beat them in the league late on thanks to a couple of worldies. Or Crystal Palace and they were losing before Jordan Ayew was sent off 15 minutes from time.

And then there’s Forest and Paul Tierney should have given the home side possession when he restarted play instead of handing it to Liverpool.

Darwin Nunez silenced the Nottingham Forest fans deep in injury time (
Image:
John Powell)
Nunez headed home for Liverpool one minute and 50 seconds later and that was a massive break for the Reds.

It’s ridiculous Liverpool are even in the title race and they should really be fighting for a Champions League place due to their crippling injury list.

They beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup Final when they had just three first-team regulars left on the pitch in Virgil van Dijk, Wataru Endo and Luis Diaz.

Pep Guardiola had the luxury of giving Phil Foden the night off last week in the FA Cup at Luton while Jurgen Klopp had to muddle through against Southampton with his kids and giving van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate a half each.

But the fact Liverpool have already won the Carabao Cup and are fighting for silverware on three other fronts, is a huge testament to Klopp.

Jurgen Klopp is showing this season why he’s one of the best managers in the world (
Image:
Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
He is showing this season why he’s one of the best managers in the world in his farewell campaign. His use of players and tactical changes have been superb and there is a real resolve at Liverpool to send him off with as much silverware as possible.

Liverpool take a one point lead into Sunday’s showdown with Manchester City at Anfield and history suggests the Reds need to win this clash to claim the league.

The Reds beat City at Anfield in November 2019 on their way to winning the title in 2020. They lost to City in January 2019 – their only league defeat that season – and that cost them the title.

They also drew at City in April 2022 as the Blues pipped them by a point for the second time and victory would have given them the league crown.

Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola meet in a crunch clash on Sunday
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Liverpool have potentially awkward trips to Old Trafford and Goodison Park still to come.

Liverpool need wins and they have recorded just two in their last 11 visits to Goodison and three in their last 14 trips to Old Trafford.

The Reds drawing these two games in 2019 allowed City to overhaul them and pip them to the title, despite amassing a ridiculous 97 points and they do not want that to happen again.

All this says Liverpool need to maintain their marvellous record against City at Anfield, where they have only lost once to the Blues in 21 years.