Arne left in a Toff spot

CHAMPS FORCED TO CLING ON AGAIN

- BY CARL MARKHAM

NO need for a late Anfield winner this time.

But nothing like the straightforward afternoon it should have been.

Liverpool's habit of conceding goals from positions of strength caused them problems again as they found themselves hanging on for victory in the 247th Merseyside derby.

Less than three days after Virgil van Dijk’s sensational, dramatic goal brought stoppage-time victory in the Champions League, Arne Slot’s side once more found 2-0 a scoreline which did not sit well.

Against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, they were two-up before Van Dijk’s heroics secured a 3-2 triumph.

And being in control once more did not work in their favour. A fifth successive league victory kept the champions in an unassailable position at the top of the table.

But, while there was no need for any of the late drama of recent matches, they never appear more vulnerable than when 2-0 in front. Three times in six matches this season they have been pegged back from that position only to score added-time winners.