What unfolded at the City Ground was nothing short of chaos in the closing seconds, and while “carnage” might best capture the drama, “daylight robbery” would not be an exaggeration either. Liverpool somehow emerged with all three points in a game they largely failed to control — a smash-and-grab victory that could prove pivotal in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Liverpool travelled to face Nottingham Forest knowing that recent meetings had not gone their way. Under head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool had failed to defeat Forest in three previous attempts. For long stretches of this contest, it appeared that streak would continue.
The atmosphere inside the City Ground reflected Forest’s dominance. Home supporters gleefully taunted Slot, chanting “In your head, Arne” to the melody of The Cranberries’ hit song “Zombie.” On the pitch, Forest looked sharper, more aggressive, and tactically disciplined. They outplayed the reigning champions for much of the afternoon and seemed the more deserving side.
Yet football can be cruel.
Deep into stoppage time — in the 97th minute — Alexis Mac Allister struck what proved to be the decisive goal. The late winner stunned the home crowd and flipped the narrative entirely. Moments earlier, Liverpool had looked destined for a draw at best. Instead, they celebrated wildly in front of their travelling fans, who echoed the earlier chant back at Forest supporters in disbelief and joy.
The victory carries enormous significance. Mac Allister’s goal lifted Liverpool level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for fourth and fifth place — critical positions in the battle for Champions League qualification. In a season defined by fine margins, this could be one of those defining moments.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher described the result as one of the biggest “robberies” of the Premier League campaign. It was difficult to disagree. Forest had been the better side for long periods and created the clearer opportunities.
Slot himself acknowledged as much after the match. The Dutch manager admitted that his team did not perform to their usual standard and conceded that a draw might have been a fairer outcome. For much of the season, he has maintained that Liverpool have been unlucky despite strong performances. This time, however, fortune finally tilted in their favour.
Mac Allister’s influence extended beyond the winning strike. Earlier in stoppage time, he thought he had scored when the ball ricocheted into the net following a save from Forest goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and a clearance attempt by Ola Aina. However, the goal was ruled out after officials determined the ball had brushed his elbow — even though his arm appeared tight to his body.
Speaking afterward, Mac Allister expressed frustration with the interpretation of the handball rule. He acknowledged understanding the technical decision but suggested that, in the spirit of the game, the goal might have deserved to stand. Despite that setback, he maintained his composure and ultimately delivered when it mattered most.
Liverpool’s overall performance was far from convincing. The first half, in particular, lacked intensity, cohesion, and pressing structure. Their positioning was inconsistent, and Forest capitalised by controlling possession and territory. While Liverpool improved slightly after the break, they still struggled to impose themselves creatively.
One notable subplot was the subdued display from Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward, typically Liverpool’s most reliable attacking threat, endured a quiet afternoon. Although his defensive work rate has improved since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, he has now gone nine Premier League matches without finding the net — an unusual drought for a player of his calibre.
In contrast, teenage substitute Rio Ngumoha made a lively impression. Introduced in place of Salah, the 17-year-old injected energy and directness into Liverpool’s attack. He delivered the cross that led to Mac Allister’s disallowed goal and consistently troubled the Forest defence with his pace and confidence.
BBC pundit Pat Nevin suggested that Ngumoha had a greater impact on the match than Salah, while Carragher praised the youngster’s fearless display. Slot also spoke highly of him, emphasising that no 17-year-old plays significant Premier League minutes at Liverpool without exceptional potential.
Ngumoha has yet to start a league game for Liverpool, but his performances are making a compelling case. Slot highlighted that while talent is vital, mentality is equally important — pointing to Mac Allister as an example of a player whose mindset matches his ability.
Despite their lacklustre display, Liverpool demonstrated resilience — a hallmark of title contenders. Champions often find ways to win even when playing below their best. This was one such occasion. Forest will feel aggrieved, and their manager Vitor Pereira’s comment that he was “angry with football” captured the sense of injustice from the home camp.
Yet in elite sport, results shape narratives more than performances. Liverpool’s late surge not only secured three valuable points but also injected renewed belief into their campaign. With the Champions League race tightening, momentum can be as crucial as form.
The journey back to Merseyside will be filled with relief and optimism. Slot, however, will be acutely aware that such fortune cannot be relied upon consistently. Improvements in pressing intensity, midfield control, and attacking cohesion will be necessary if Liverpool are to sustain their push.
Still, seasons are often remembered for moments — dramatic, improbable, heart-stopping moments. Mac Allister’s 97th-minute winner may well become one of them.
For all their struggles on the day, Liverpool left the Midlands with hope intact and their ambitions very much alive.
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