Arne Slot explains why Liverpool are so bad at seeing out games after 'nervy' ending vs Tottenham

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Liverpool secured three points against a nine-man Tottenham team on Saturday, but Arne Slot’s men didn’t make it easy for themselves.After Xavi Simons was sent off in the 34th minute, the game should have been the Reds’ for the taking.However, Arne Slot was forced to make changes at the break as even with a man advantage, his side created nothing of note in the first half.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images 👇 Join the debate; share your insight.

Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say The Dutchman was rewarded 11 minutes into the second half when substitute Alexander Isak scored after being set up by Florian Wirtz.Hugo Ekitike then added to his ever-growing goal tally in the 66th minute, and that should have been that.Why Liverpool nearly failed to beat nine-man TottenhamHowever, as we have seen on so many occasions this season, including in the 3-3 draw with Leeds United when Liverpool blew two-goal and one-goal leads, Slot’s men don’t exactly hold their nerve at the end of matches.Their dire performance late on was summed up perfectly by Gary Neville, who, when speaking on commentary for Sky Sports, said: “Liverpool have been appalling in the last few minutes.“It would be unforgivable for them to concede one now.”Thankfully, they didn’t. But there was no reason for the ending of that match, which was eventually against nine men following Cristian Romero’s second yellow, to be so nerve-racking.Speaking after the tie, Slot was asked, as per the BBC, ‘why was it such a nervy ending?’He explained: “We didn’t keep the ball when we had the ball.

Jeremie (Frimpong) is the one who created 2-0 with his actions.”Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty ImagesLiverpool’s problem is clearIt was frustrating to watch for Liverpool fans, but the reason for the continued poor end to matches, especially when there’s something on the line, seems obvious.Firstly, neither Virgil van Dijk nor Ibrahima Konate have been anywhere near their best this season, which in turn invites more pressure on the backline.Secondly, as Wayne Rooney pointed out a couple of months ago, Liverpool are lacking any real leaders.Alisson is one of the more senior players in the team, but he was guilty of, as Slot mentioned, kicking the ball out straight back to Spurs when the away side had possession and should have been controlling the game.Is there an easy fix to this persistent issue? Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox