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)
The Kopite View 
Leave a comment