Dramatic Late Winner at City Ground
Alexis Mac Allister scores a stoppage-time winner as Liverpool snatch a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in a thrilling Premier League encounter. The midfielder’s 90+7th-minute strike followed an earlier goal ruled out by VAR, handing Arne Slot’s side a crucial three points.
In a chaotic finish, Mac Allister first found the net in the 89th minute when Ola Aina’s clearance deflected off his elbow into the goal, but VAR disallowed it. Moments later, Virgil van Dijk headed Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross toward goal. Murillo’s attempted clearance fell to Mac Allister, who fired home the decisive shot. VAR cleared the goal this time, leaving Forest stunned.
Forest’s Strong Showing Falls Short
Nottingham Forest dominated much of the game under new manager Vitor Pereira in his Premier League debut, but they remain just two points above the relegation zone. Forest created numerous chances, with Ibrahim Sangare setting up Callum Hudson-Odoi early on, only for Alisson to deny him with a sharp save.
Forest’s pressure continued, though most efforts came from distance. Nikola Milenkovic headed wide from a second-half corner, and Chris Wood’s absence due to injury limited their cutting edge up front. Igor Jesus showed promise but lacked a clinical finish.
Liverpool Grind Out Result Amid Salah Struggles
Liverpool closed the gap on top-four challengers Aston Villa and Chelsea despite a patchy display. The Reds made a late change with Florian Wirtz injured in the warm-up, Curtis Jones stepping in.
Mohamed Salah endured his ninth successive league game without a goal, substituted in the 78th minute. A second-half break saw Neco Williams foul him, but Forest recovered to clear the danger. While Salah remains vital, his current form shows signs of decline compared to last season’s title-winning exploits.
Key Match Moments
- 3′: Sangare releases Hudson-Odoi; Alisson saves.
- First half: Liverpool errors from Van Dijk, Szoboszlai, Jones, and Alisson.
- Half-time sub impact limited without Wood.
- Second half: Milenkovic misses header; Ortega denies Jones.
- 89′: Mac Allister goal ruled out by VAR.
- 90+7′: Mac Allister seals the win.
Match Facts and Player Ratings
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Ortega 7; Aina 6.5, Milenkovic 6.5, Murillo 7, Williams 7; Anderson 7 (Dominguez 77, 6), Sangare 8; Hutchinson 6 (Bakwa 66, 6), Gibbs-White 6 (McAtee 90+3), Hudson-Odoi 6 (Ndoye 66, 6); I. Jesus 5 (Lucca 77, 6). Manager: Vitor Pereira 6.5.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson 7.5; Szoboszlai 6, Konate 7, Van Dijk 7, Kerkez 7 (Robertson 83); Gravenberch 6, Mac Allister 8; Salah 6 (Chiesa 78, 6), Jones 5 (Gomez 83), Gakpo 5.5 (Ngumoha 78, 6); Ekitike 6. Scorer: Mac Allister 90+7. Manager: Arne Slot 7.
Referee: Anthony Taylor. Attendance: 30,737.
