Trent explains Liverpool's knack for last-minute goals
Liverpool's ability to strike late in games is no lucky accident, explained Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Reds produced one of the most dramatic ends to a Merseyside derby in history on Sunday with a 96th-minute winner against Everton at Anfield.
That followed crucial late goals past Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea earlier this season - and the trend is made possible by Liverpool’s defensive resolve, according to Alexander-Arnold.
“It’s important for us to stay in the game. Keeping a clean sheet gives us the foundation to go and do these things,” he said.
“If we’re 1-0 down and score in the last minute it’s only 1-1. So, it’s important to keep the clean sheet. It’s massive for us.
“I think we’ve shown with PSG at home and then Chelsea away and now Everton – three times this season – that something that we’re doing is staying in games and then producing in the last minutes.”
Inside Anfield: Behind the scenes of the derby
Divock Origi was Liverpool’s hero in the 232nd edition of the Merseyside derby.
The Belgian, who had actually scored in each of his previous two home league appearances against the Blues, continued that charmed run in stunning circumstances.
Origi’s persistence, having already hit the woodwork, paid off when Virgil van Dijk’s high shot was kept in play by a combination of visiting goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and the crossbar - and he forced the ball home.
“He probably hasn’t played as much as he’s wanted to and not been in and around the squad, but the gaffer showed why he’s still putting him in,” said Alexander-Arnold.
“He’s come on and missed a massive chance but repaid us all with a goal last minute. After the miss it’s easy to put your head down and settle for a point. But it’s a credit to his character and his mentality to be in the right position.”
Alexander-Arnold’s passionate celebrations told you everything about what the result meant to the 20-year-old Scouser.
The experience was the latest in a string of landmark moments for the Reds and England right-back.
“It’s hard to believe that some of these things are coming true,” he added. “But it’s something you’ve worked towards for 15 years. You look forward to these moments and hope that one day you’ll be able to play in fixtures like this and do the things that I’ve done.”