For years, Liverpool made a name out of breaking hearts in stoppage time, the masters of late drama, the kings of comeback chaos. But in a twist of football karma, the Reds are now learning how it feels on the receiving end.

Their last three defeats across all competitions have come with painfully familiar notes: late collapses, squandered concentration, and disbelief spreading from the dugout to the stands. It began with the 2–1 loss to Crystal Palace, where Eddie Nketiah’s 97th-minute volley shattered Liverpool’s unbeaten run. Then came a 1–0 defeat at Galatasaray, a night of wasted chances and an Alisson injury that deepened the gloom. The final blow? A gut-wrenching 2–1 defeat to Chelsea, sealed by teenage substitute Estêvão Willian in the 95th minute.

For a club that once thrived on “never say die,” this reversal feels poetic. Arne Slot’s men are now living the nightmare they so often scripted for others. The sight of defenders ball-watching in dying minutes, attackers misfiring, and Slot lamenting “fine margins” tells a story of fragility, not failure, but fragility.

It’s almost comical, poetic justice in red. The same fans who once roared through injury-time winners now sink into their seats as opponents celebrate. For once, Liverpool feel the sting they’ve so often delivered.

Still, this is Liverpool. They’ve built empires from adversity before. A tactical reset, sharper finishing, and renewed focus could quickly flip the script. Their next test comes against Manchester United (on 19 October), the perfect stage to prove they can heal their wounds and strike back.

They’ve finally tasted their own medicine. The question now is simple: will it cure or consume them?