Alexis Mac Allister’s stunning 97th-minute strike delivered a dramatic 0-1 victory for Liverpool over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest, battling to climb away from the Premier League relegation zone in 17th, hosted a Liverpool side sitting 6th. The home team sought a crucial win to improve their DLDWD form, while Liverpool aimed to solidify their position following a WLWLD run.
The first half saw Nottingham Forest show significant attacking intent. They pressed Liverpool high, creating several early opportunities. Their aggressive approach earned Morgan Gibbs-White a yellow card in the 20th minute for a delay of game.
Forest continued to challenge, registering a total of 18 shots by the final whistle, with many of their 11 shots from outside the box testing the Liverpool defence. They created an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.26, reflecting their offensive efforts.
Liverpool struggled to find their rhythm in the opening 45 minutes. They were contained by Forest's compact defensive shape. Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega made two crucial saves for the home side, denying Liverpool’s limited on-target efforts.
At the half-time whistle, the score remained goalless. Forest’s energy and defensive discipline had stifled Liverpool. The visitors needed a significant tactical adjustment to break down their determined opponents in the second period.
The second half began with similar intensity from Forest. However, Liverpool gradually started to exert more control over possession, holding 53% by the game's end. Forest defender Ola Aina received a yellow card in the 61st minute for holding.
Both managers introduced fresh legs to change the game’s dynamic. Forest made four substitutions around the 66th and 77th minutes, including Callum Hudson-Odoi and Elliot Anderson. Liverpool responded by bringing on Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo in the 77th minute.
The match exploded into life in added time. Alexis Mac Allister thought he had scored for Liverpool in the 90th minute, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review for a handball. This decision intensified the late-game drama.
Despite the setback, Liverpool pushed on relentlessly. Deep into the seventh minute of stoppage time, Mac Allister found the breakthrough. He guided the ball home, sending the travelling Liverpool fans into a frenzy and securing a vital win.
The statistics reflected a hard-fought battle. Forest managed 18 total shots, with 2 on target, while Liverpool had 10 shots, 4 on target. Both goalkeepers, Ortega and Alisson, made 2 saves each, highlighting their important contributions.
This dramatic victory boosts Liverpool’s hopes of climbing higher in the Premier League table. For Nottingham Forest, the narrow defeat is a cruel blow, leaving them still entrenched in a tough fight for top-flight survival.
