The Kopite View

Curtis Jones endured a difficult afternoon at Nottingham Forest, struggling to impose himself in a midfield that lacked control and creativity. But context matters — and Jones’ confidence can’t have been helped by the way events unfolded before and during the match.

After delivering an impressive performance at right-back against Brighton, many expected Jones to build on that display. Instead, he found himself moved back into midfield following Florian Wirtz’s injury in the warm-up — a blow in itself after thinking he had nailed down a role in the side.

It felt like a second setback when Arne Slot opted to start Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back instead, signalling that he trusted Szoboszlai more in that position. For a player who had just performed well there, that decision could hardly boost confidence.

Then came the in-game reshuffle.

With Liverpool struggling in midfield during a poor first half, Slot reversed course. Szoboszlai was pushed back into midfield and Jones was shifted to right-back midway through the half — effectively confirming that the manager felt he needed Szoboszlai centrally after all.

The constant positional changes did little to help Jones settle. Instead of clarity and continuity, he experienced uncertainty and adjustment in a chaotic first 45 minutes.

Jones was far from Liverpool’s only underperformer at the City Ground, but it’s fair to question whether the tactical juggling left him caught in the crossfire.

If Slot wants consistency from his squad players, they need clarity of role and trust. At Forest, Jones appeared to have neither.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Mohamed Salah came under criticism once more after Liverpool’s dramatic win at Nottingham Forest, but the bigger story isn’t just his form. Liverpool’s forwards are suffering from poor service, and the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold has left a creative void that Arne Slot still hasn’t filled, even as February comes to a close.

Poor Service and Isolated Forwards

For large parts of the match, Salah and Cody Gakpo were starved of quality chances. The Reds’ build-up play relied too heavily on sideways and backward passes, preventing the attackers from getting into dangerous positions.

Without Trent’s precise balls from deep — the kind that created so many goals in previous seasons — Salah often found himself isolated, frustrated, and forced to generate chances on his own.

Ngumoha Shows the Difference

It took just 13 minutes for Rio Ngumoha to inject energy, directness, and urgency into Liverpool’s attack. His movement and willingness to run at defenders immediately highlighted what’s missing for the starters: service and support.

What This Means for Slot

Arne Slot now faces a dilemma:

Stick with the struggling forwards and hope they rediscover form Adjust his system to create better supply lines in the final third

One thing is clear: Liverpool can’t rely on late drama every week. We’re into the end of February, and the creative void left by Trent is still painfully evident. Their attacking department needs more than luck — it needs structure, creativity, and a plan.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Three points. Relief. Celebrations at full-time.

But Liverpool’s performance at Nottingham Forest leaves serious questions hanging over Arne Slot.

Because if we’re honest, this wasn’t progress. It was papering over cracks.

A First Half That Should Worry Fans

Liverpool were second best — and not by a small margin.

Outrun Outworked Outthought Outshot

Forest looked sharper, more aggressive, and more organised. Liverpool lacked energy, structure and control. For a side chasing the top four, that is a major concern.

A week’s rest compared to Forest’s European exertions should have shown. Instead, it was Liverpool who looked leggy.

That falls on the manager.

Tactical Uncertainty

Slot’s early positional switches suggested even he wasn’t convinced by his own setup.

When a team looks confused in shape and hesitant in possession, it points to either poor preparation or players unsure of their roles.

Neither is comforting.

The Attack Is Misfiring

Salah struggled again. Gakpo failed to impose himself. Creativity was almost non-existent for 75 minutes.

Yes, Liverpool found a winner — but it came in chaos, not control.

You can’t rely on 97th-minute drama every week.

Winning Masks Performance — For Now

Slot will argue that good teams win when they play badly.

That’s true.

But great teams don’t repeatedly allow themselves to be outplayed by sides lower in the table.

Forest were 17th. Liverpool looked reactive, not dominant.

That is the worrying part.

Where Does This Leave Slot?

The points keep him safe.

The performance puts him under scrutiny.

If Liverpool don’t show sharper structure, intensity and attacking clarity in the next few fixtures, the questions will only grow louder.

This felt less like a statement win.

And more like a warning sign.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool left Nottingham Forest with three points, but the Reds’ lacklustre first-half performance and scrappy victory has left fans fuming. Many are calling it daylight robbery — and it’s easy to see why.

A Poor Start from the Reds

Liverpool looked sluggish, lacking energy, control, and creativity for long periods. Forest dominated the first half, creating clear chances that could have put them ahead. Fans were left frustrated as Liverpool failed to impose themselves, with even established stars struggling to influence the game.

VAR Drama and Late Escape

Alexis McAllister had his first goal disallowed by VAR for hitting his elbow — a harsh decision that could have given Liverpool a deserved lead. Liverpool were fortunate to have their late winner stand, especially after being unlucky with McAllister’s first goal being ruled out. The 97th-minute winner secured the points, but the win felt scrappy and left supporters both relieved and frustrated.

Why Fans Are Calling It Robbery

Forest were arguably the better side for most of the match. Liverpool’s lack of energy and creativity made them look vulnerable. A late, scrappy winner does little to disguise the performance.

Liverpool now move to 48 points, level with Chelsea in fourth, but the debate rages: was it resilience, or sheer luck at the right moment?

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool may have left the City Ground with three crucial points, but the performance raised fresh questions about their attacking options.

For 77 minutes, the Reds looked blunt. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo struggled to impose themselves on the game, with Liverpool managing very little threat in the final third. The movement was predictable, the tempo slow, and Nottingham Forest looked comfortable.

Then Rio Ngumoha stepped onto the pitch.

In just 13 minutes, the youngster injected something Liverpool had been missing all afternoon: urgency.

He drove directly at defenders.

He looked fearless in possession.

He delivered dangerous balls into the box.

It was Ngumoha’s energy down the right that helped spark the chaos leading to Alexis Mac Allister’s disallowed goal — a moment that suddenly shifted the atmosphere of the game.

This is not about disrespecting established stars. Salah’s quality over the years speaks for itself, and Gakpo remains an important squad option. But form matters. Impact matters.

And right now, Liverpool’s attacking department looks worryingly thin.

With limited striking alternatives available to Arne Slot, Ngumoha’s cameo served as a reminder that hunger and directness can change matches. Sometimes youthful fearlessness offers more than experience weighed down by expectation.

Liverpool found their winner deep into added time. But if Slot is serious about rewarding performance over reputation, Ngumoha may have just given him something to think about.

Because in 13 minutes, he did more to unsettle Forest than Liverpool’s starting forwards managed in over an hour.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s dramatic 1–0 win over Nottingham Forest was overshadowed by a ridiculous VAR call. Alexis McAllister’s initial goal, which would have given the Reds the lead, was ruled out for hitting his elbow — a decision that left fans and pundits baffled.

What Really Happened?

McAllister was reacting instinctively right in front of Forest’s clearance, with his back to the ball. His arm was at his side — a completely natural position — yet the goal was chalked off. He was so close to the defender’s clearance that it’s hard to see how this could be considered deliberate.

From any reasonable perspective, this was a joke of a decision. Football is about instinctive reactions and being in the right place at the right time. Punishing a player for something like this goes against the spirit of the game.

Why This Matters

Spontaneous, natural play is being penalized Fans are left frustrated by over-interpretation of VAR Players may start second-guessing themselves in key moments

Liverpool eventually won thanks to McAllister’s 97th-minute winner, but the disallowed goal is a reminder that football risks becoming over-regulated and soulless if incidents like this continue to be punished.

Slot and Fans’ Reaction

Arne Slot’s team had already endured a chaotic finish at the City Ground. To have a goal disallowed for such a minor, almost unavoidable contact added unnecessary frustration. Fans, rightly, were left shaking their heads.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool may have snatched a dramatic 1–0 win at Nottingham Forest thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s 97th-minute winner, but the late drama should not mask a growing concern for Arne Slot.

Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo both endured difficult afternoons once again — and both were substituted after largely ineffective performances.

Salah’s Dip Continues

Salah, so often Liverpool’s match-winner in years gone by, struggled to impose himself at the City Ground.

Limited impact in the final third Few clear-cut chances created Replaced as Liverpool searched for urgency

The Egyptian has now gone nine Premier League games without a goal — an alarming statistic for a player once relied upon to deliver consistently in tight matches.

While his work rate remains unquestionable, the cutting edge that defined his Liverpool career appears blunted this season.

Gakpo Failing to Step Up

Gakpo’s afternoon followed a similar pattern:

Anonymous for long spells Rarely troubled the Forest defence Substituted as Slot looked for more direct attacking threat

With Liverpool already short of natural striking options, Gakpo was expected to shoulder more responsibility. Instead, his form has mirrored the team’s attacking inconsistency.

A Real Problem for Slot

Liverpool escaped with three points — and sometimes that is all that matters. But performances like this highlight a deeper issue.

With:

Florian Wirtz injured in the warm-up Limited depth in the striker department Salah and Gakpo misfiring

Slot does not have many attacking solutions available to him.

The introduction of Rio Ngumoha injected energy, but relying on youth and late chaos is not a sustainable strategy for a top-four push.

Results Paper Over Cracks

Make no mistake — Mac Allister’s winner was huge. Liverpool are now level on points with fourth place and firmly in the race.

But if Salah and Gakpo cannot rediscover form quickly, Slot may face difficult selection decisions in the coming weeks.

The win at Forest feels like a heist — but over the course of a season, Liverpool will need far more from their senior forwards.

And fast.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool snatched a dramatic 1–0 victory at the City Ground, courtesy of a 97th-minute winner from Alexis Mac Allister, ending their long wait to beat Nottingham Forest and keeping their top-four hopes alive.

Chaotic Finish Seals the Win

The finish was as frenetic as it was dramatic:

Moments earlier, Mac Allister had seen a goal disallowed for handball. Virgil van Dijk’s header was saved by Stefan Ortega, only for Mac Allister to tuck in the rebound. VAR confirmed the goal was onside this time, allowing the Argentinian to celebrate properly. Earlier in stoppage time, Liverpool had another goal chalked off after Mac Allister inadvertently made contact with the ball on his elbow as Forest tried to clear Hugo Ekitike’s shot.

The late drama ensured Liverpool fans were on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Tough Game for the Reds

For long stretches, Liverpool were uninspiring:

Florian Wirtz was lost in the warm-up, forcing early changes. Slot’s side managed just three touches in the Forest box during the first half. Liverpool faced 12 shots in the opening 45 minutes, their highest in a half since the 6–1 defeat to Stoke in 2015.

Forest, buoyed by their midweek Europa League win over Fenerbahce, arguably dominated the first half. Callum Hudson-Odoi was denied by a brilliant save from Alisson, and Nikola Milenkovic also came close in the second half.

Liverpool improved after the break, with Curtis Jones’ effort kept out by Ortega, but until the 97th minute, that was their only on-target shot in the second half.

Tactical Adjustments

Szoboszlai started at right-back, with Jones replacing Wirtz. Slot switched the two after 30 minutes to regain balance. Sub Rio Ngumoha, replacing Mohamed Salah, provided energy on the right flank and contributed to Mac Allister’s earlier disallowed goal.

Slot admitted after the game that Liverpool were “the lucky ones in a game of fine margins,” but the points are what matter in the race for the top four.

Standout Performances

Mac Allister: Composure and persistence rewarded with the decisive strike. Ngumoha: Provided dangerous crosses and injected energy after coming on. Van Dijk: Threatened in the air and contributed to the late goal. Alisson: Made key saves to keep Liverpool in the game.

What This Means

Liverpool move to 45 points, level with fourth-placed Chelsea and just ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United. Forest remain 17th, two points above West Ham, who sit 18th.

Looking Ahead

Liverpool host West Ham at Anfield next Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There’s been a lot of debate ahead of today’s game about who should start at right-back — especially with Joe Gomez back fit and Curtis Jones impressing recently. But one selection that makes tactical sense and could prove decisive is Dominik Szoboszlai in the right-back role.

It might not be the orthodox choice, but this isn’t an ordinary match — and Szoboszlai’s skill set could give Liverpool a real edge.

What Makes Szoboszlai a Smart Right-Back Option

Szoboszlai isn’t a natural defender — but that’s exactly why this move could pay off:

⚡ Energy and Recovery Pace

He has the engine to cover ground, track runners, and recover quickly when possession is lost.

📈 Ball Progression

From right-back he can:

drift inside to create overloads link play with midfield thread passes that break defensive lines

This isn’t just a defensive job — it’s a way of turning full-back into attack initiation.

🧠 Tactical Intelligence

Szoboszlai’s reading of the game is excellent. He seldom gets caught out of position because he anticipates play rather than reacts to it.

And for a team that likes to dominate possession and work the ball wide, that intelligence matters.

Against Forest, It Makes Sense

Nottingham Forest are compact, direct, and organised defensively. Games against them often become battles of transition — not long spells of sustained attacking play.

In that context:

A natural defender like Gomez might keep things safe But Szoboszlai can actually help break Forest down by injecting creativity from deep wide positions

It’s a tactical twist that gives Liverpool a different attacking angle — and that’s crucial when defending teams sit deep.

What Slot Might Be Signalling

If Arne Slot picks Szoboszlai at right-back today, it could tell us:

✅ He wants the wide channel to be more than defensive

✅ He wants Liverpool to force Forest to react rather than absorb pressure

✅ He trusts the team’s structure enough to allow a creative player in that role

This isn’t slotting him in by accident — it’s clever strategic thinking.

What It Means for the Game

Szoboszlai at right-back means:

Liverpool can control build-up better They can switch play quickly They can create overloads in midfield from wide areas Forest’s defence will have to commit numbers earlier

In other words, it’s not a defensive gamble — it’s an attacking weapon.

Final Thought

Football is evolving, and full-back roles are not just about defending anymore. Modern systems demand players who can influence the game all over the pitch.

And few Liverpool players can do that better than Szoboszlai — even from right-back.

If he starts there today, don’t see it as a compromise.

See it as a tactical weapon deployed with precision.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

The next five Premier League fixtures could define Liverpool’s season.

Arne Slot’s side face a run of games against teams currently sitting 17th, 18th, 20th, 16th and 14th in the table. On paper, it’s an opportunity. In reality, it’s a test of mentality.

Here are the fixtures:

• 17th – Nottingham Forest (A)

• 18th – West Ham (H)

• 20th – Wolves (A)

• 16th – Tottenham (H)

• 14th – Brighton (A)

If Liverpool are serious about their ambitions this season, these are the games that must deliver maximum points.

Opportunity Must Become Reality

It’s easy to look at league positions and assume results should follow. But Liverpool have already experienced how dangerous that mindset can be.

Forest away is never straightforward.

West Ham will battle.

Wolves fighting near the bottom makes them unpredictable.

Tottenham still carry attacking threat.

Brighton away is rarely comfortable.

This isn’t about quality — Liverpool have that. It’s about ruthlessness.

Fifteen Points Changes Everything

Win all five and suddenly:

Momentum builds Pressure shifts to rivals Confidence surges The table looks very different

Drop points, however, and the frustration of earlier “hard to take” results resurfaces.

Slot has spoken about matches this season where Liverpool didn’t get what they deserved. This next stretch removes the debate about luck. It becomes about control.

Professional, Not Just Entertaining

To secure maximum points, Liverpool must:

Start fast away from home Stay defensively disciplined Kill games when on top Avoid late lapses

No drama. No chaos. Just efficiency.

This Is the Defining Spell

Every campaign has a moment where good teams separate themselves from hopeful ones.

For Liverpool, this feels like that moment.

Five games. Fifteen points.

Anything less leaves room for regret.

Jamie (The Kopite View)