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The Reds left the City Ground with three huge Premier League points after a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Alexis Mac Allister secured a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. It was tense, scrappy and far from straightforward. For long periods, the game felt like it might drift toward a goalless draw. But in the 97th minute, Mac Allister delivered the decisive moment, reacting quickest inside the box to spark wild celebrations in front of the travelling support.
For Arne Slot’s side, this was not just another away win. It was a reminder of their resilience, their belief and their ability to find a breakthrough when it matters most.
Late Team Changes and Key Returns
Liverpool were forced into a late reshuffle before kick-off. Florian Wirtz was ruled out after picking up an issue in the warm-up, prompting Curtis Jones to step into the starting line-up. Elsewhere, there were returns for Hugo Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch, both of whom had started on the bench in the recent FA Cup win over Brighton.
The Reds lined up with Alisson in goal, protected by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in central defence. Milos Kerkez began at left-back before being replaced later by Andy Robertson. In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mac Allister were joined by Jones, while Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo supported Ekitike in attack. It was a balanced side, but from the opening whistle, it was clear this would not be an easy afternoon.
Fast Start from Forest Tests Liverpool Early
Nottingham Forest came out with intent, and Liverpool were tested almost immediately. Inside three minutes, Alisson Becker had to be at his sharpest. Callum Hudson-Odoi latched onto a clever through ball from Ibrahim Sangare and looked set to score, but Alisson raced off his line and smothered the finish with calm authority. It was a crucial intervention that set the tone for the first half.
Forest continued to push forward. Elliot Anderson and Omari Hutchinson both tried their luck, keeping Liverpool’s back line alert. The hosts were energetic, direct and clearly determined to make life uncomfortable. Liverpool struggled to impose themselves early on. Their first real opportunity arrived in the 36th minute after a poor clearance from Murillo. Salah reacted quickly and whipped a delivery into the box, but Gakpo could not quite stretch enough to convert at the back post.
At the other end, Van Dijk produced a vital piece of defending, stepping in to dispossess Igor Jesus just as the forward prepared to shoot inside the area. As the half drew to a close, Alisson was called into action again, tipping a Hutchinson cross that was drifting toward goal over the bar. Anderson also curled an effort wide. The first 45 minutes ended goalless, with both sides having moments but neither able to truly take control.
A Scrappy Second Half with Few Clear Chances
The second half followed a similar pattern. There was effort and intensity, but clear-cut chances were limited. Nikola Milenkovic headed wide early after the restart, offering a reminder of Forest’s threat from set pieces. Liverpool responded with a promising move of their own.
Salah switched play intelligently before nodding the ball back across goal. Jones arrived to meet it from close range, but Stefan Ortega produced a strong save to keep the scores level.
From that point on, the game became increasingly tight and fragmented. Challenges flew in, possession changed hands quickly and neither side found rhythm in the final third.
When Robertson entered the action from the bench, his first meaningful contribution was a crucial block to deny Morgan Gibbs-White, whose shot appeared destined for the net. Sangare picked up the rebound but dragged his effort wide. The clock ticked down. It felt like one moment might decide it.
VAR Drama as Mac Allister’s First Effort Is Ruled Out
As stoppage time began, Liverpool thought they had found that decisive moment. Ortega clawed away a powerful header from Ekitike, and the ball fell into a crowded penalty area. Ola Aina attempted to clear, but Mac Allister blocked the clearance and the ball deflected into the net.
The away end erupted. The Liverpool players celebrated. But the joy was short-lived. A VAR review ruled that Mac Allister had used his arm in the build-up, and the goal was disallowed. The tension inside the City Ground intensified. Liverpool had come so close, only to see it taken away. For many teams, that would have been the final blow. Not for this one.
Stoppage-Time Winner Sparks Wild Celebrations
With 90+7 minutes on the clock, Liverpool attacked once more. Szoboszlai delivered a dangerous cross into the box, and Van Dijk rose highest to head the ball toward goal. Ortega could only parry the effort into a dangerous area. There was Mac Allister again.
Alert, composed and perfectly positioned, the Argentine midfielder reacted instantly. From just a few yards out, he made no mistake, firing the ball into the net. This time, the celebrations were cautious at first. Players and fans alike waited for confirmation. Another VAR check followed.
But when the goal was given, the release of emotion was unmistakable. Mac Allister wheeled away toward the away supporters, his relief and joy clear for all to see. It was a moment of persistence and belief rewarded.
Alexis Mac Allister the Match-Winner
This was a performance that summed up Mac Allister’s importance to Liverpool. He was involved throughout, linking play, pressing tirelessly and maintaining composure in tight spaces. To have one goal ruled out so late and then still find the focus to score the winner speaks volumes about his mentality.
In a tight Premier League contest, fine margins matter. Mac Allister made sure Liverpool were on the right side of them. His stoppage-time strike could prove significant in the context of the season.
Defensive Resilience Key to Liverpool Victory
While Mac Allister will take the headlines, Liverpool’s defensive discipline deserves equal credit. Alisson’s early save from Hudson-Odoi set the platform. Van Dijk and Konate handled the physical battle well, stepping in with crucial interceptions at important moments.
Robertson’s late block was another example of the collective determination to protect the clean sheet. Away games in the Premier League often demand patience and resilience. Liverpool showed both.
Three Vital Premier League Points
A 1-0 scoreline might suggest a narrow victory, but this result carries real weight. Nottingham Forest made it difficult. They pressed, they competed and they had their own chances. Yet Liverpool found a way to win. In tight title races or battles for European places, these are the matches that define campaigns. Winning when not at your fluent best is often the mark of a serious contender.
For Liverpool, the late goal at the City Ground could feel like a turning point. It reinforces the belief within the squad and strengthens their position in the Premier League standings.
Final Thoughts
Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest will be remembered for its dramatic finish. From Alisson’s early heroics to the VAR drama and Mac Allister’s decisive strike in the 97th minute, this was a match full of tension and emotion.
It was not always pretty. It was not always smooth. But it was effective.Alexis Mac Allister delivered when it mattered most, and Liverpool walked away with three hard-earned points. Sometimes, that is all that counts.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com