Late Goals in the Premier League
Late goals, defined as strikes scored in the final 15 minutes plus stoppage time, are a crucial part of the Premier League fabric. These goals typically define excitement, affect standings, and sway betting markets. The PL era is distinguished by hallmark strikes that have defined football drama and exemplified resilience, pressure, and character.
Aguero’s iconic title-winning goal in the 2011/12 season decided the tightest of title races. Manchester United and Manchester City go into the final match of the season separated by just goal difference. The late-goal phenomenon has also spawned the phrase “Fergie Time,” referring to the ability of Manchester United to claim late wins under Ferguson.
Defining ‘Late Goals’ and Their Impact on Results
Late goals are typically registered from the 75th minute through to full time (90+). This definition, however, has evolved over time, with an extended catalogue of impactful goals netted in stoppage time. The Premier League reports that 8.5% of all goals in 2024/25 occurred in stoppage time (90+ minute goals), which equals a total of 94. This is the second-highest tally recorded in one season, 18 goals behind the previous campaign (2023/24) with 112 late goals.
The excitement of late goals is driven by their ability to be equalisers and winners. They change momentum, add to the psychological drama, and shape in-play odds and late goals betting strategy.
Manchester United: Late Goal Statistics and Highlights
The famed “Fergie Time” means that Manchester United are typically at the centre of the late-goal conversation. Last season’s matches against Manchester City saw late goals. First, the 2-1 win at Old Trafford saw a Marcus Rashford late winner, whereas the 1-2 win at the Etihad saw an Amad Diallo late winner.
Skysports indicates that Man United lost more PL games thanks to goals scored in the 90th minute or later than any other side since 2022/23. They lost just twice in the previous 30 campaigns combined. In the post-Fergie era, Manchester are characterised more by the late goals they’ve conceded, leading to more defeat than victory, according to the BBC.
| Date | Opponent | Home/Away | Result | Minute Conceded |
| All-Time Premier League | ||||
| Jan 2007 | Arsenal | A | L 1-2 | 93rd |
| Aug 2019 | Crystal Palace | H | L 1-2 | 93rd |
| Under Ten Hag | ||||
| Jan 2023 | Arsenal | A | L 2-3 | 90th |
| May 2023 | Brighton | A | L 0-1 | 99th |
| Sept 2023 | Arsenal | A | L 1-3 | 96th |
| Feb 2024 | Fulham | H | L 1-2 | 97th |
| Apr 2025 | Chelsea | A | L 3-4 | 101st |
| Aug 2024 | Brighton | A | L 1-2 | 95th |
Liverpool: Late Goal Trends and Key Moments
Liverpool have had their fair share of goals added to them in recent years. LFC History highlights some of these goals as follows:
| Added Time | Date | Result | Opponent | Home or Away |
| +7 | 21.10.2023 | 2-0 | Everton | H |
| +5 | 05.11.2023 | 1-1 | Luton Town | A |
| +4 | 30.04.2023 | 4-3 | Spurs | H |
| +4 | 06.12.2023 | 2-0 | Sheffield United | A |
| +3 | 27.08.2023 | 2-1 | Newcastle | A |
| +1 | 16.09.2023 | 3-1 | Wolves | A |
| +3 | 21.01.2024 | 4-0 | Bournemouth | A |
| +9 | 02.03.2024 | 1-0 | Nottingham Forest | A |
| +3 | 18.01.2025 | 2-0 | Brentford | A |
Liverpool F.C. vs Manchester United F.C.Comparative Analysis: Timing, Frequency, and Impact
According to the BBC, Sky, and LFC History website, these two clubs have netted and conceded late goals (75’+) since 2023:
| Metric | Manchester United | Liverpool |
| Late Goals Scored (75’+) | 12 | 15 |
| Late Goals Conceded (75’+) | 8 | 10 |
| Percentage of Total Goals Late | 18% | 22% |
| Stoppage-Time Goals | 4 | 6 |
The data reveals that Liverpool lead the way in late goals. Their relentless intensity under Jurgen Klopp continued under Arne Slot last season. Man United showed slightly better defensive resilience in late stages, highlighting their organised formation and discipline.
Clutch Players and Super Subs: Who Delivers Late?
Marcus Rashford leads the way with 4 late goals, renowned for his clutch finishing under fatigue. He’s on loan to Barcelona this season. Bruno Fernandes has a knack for grabbing decisive goals, like his 100th-minute winner against Brighton in 2020.
For Liverpool, the Premier League shows that Mohamed Salah has become the king of late goals, grabbing 5. He brings to bear a devastating combination of execution and clinical finishing.
Diogo Jota took 3 dramatic late equalisers as a substitute. Iconic late goals include:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold versus Fulham in 2023 (4-3 win)
- Harvey Elliott’s super-sub strike in the 87th minute against PSG in 2025 (1-0 win) in the Champions League.
Tactical Patterns In Manchester United F.C. vs Liverpool F.C. Matches Leading to Late Goals
The dynamic has shifted with Arne Slot taking over from Klopp at Liverpool and Ruben Amorim and Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United. Both managers switch to more attacking formations in the latter stages of the match.
Amorim commits an extra midfielder into attack and pushes the wingbacks into attacking areas. Slot uses overlapping fullbacks that offer width, and his defensive line pushes higher to squeeze the opposition. These adjustments increase shot volume and breakthrough probability in late phases.
Historical Context: Comebacks and Drama
Famous for rising against AC Milan to win the CL in Istanbul, Liverpool have made a habit of comebacks. In 2018/19, they overcame a 3-0 first-leg deficit to beat Barcelona 4-0 at Anfield. Under Jurgen Klopp, they were known as mentality monsters, and scored more than 100 goals after the 75th minute since 2018.
After their resurgence to beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in the 1998/99 Champions League final, Man United have kept up this tradition. According to Opta, the club have had sensational comebacks in recent years. These include the 2-1 win at Brentford in 2023 and the 1-2 victory at Man City in December 2024.
Betting Insights: Wagers on Late Goals
Late goals stats favour Liverpool for an Over 2.5 Late Goals market, hitting the mark in 60% of the matches.
Manchester United are good for BTTS Late Goals, given their 62% rate of both scoring and conceding late.
A late goals betting strategy includes looking for games where either side trails at half-time. Live momentum swings often yield late goals. Monitor in-play odds, including the over/under markets, especially since these markets frequently shift after the 75th minute. Also, consider substitute goal scorer markets.
Verdict: Man United or Liverpool – Who Scores Late More Reliably?
Looking at the numbers, Liverpool have an edge over Manchester United in volume (15 versus 12) and share (22% versus 18%).
The Reds’ relentless intensity under Klopp and now under Slot, and a track record of decisive stoppage-time winners, make them the slight favourites for drama deep into matches.
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