Liverpool snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground thanks to a 97th-minute strike from Alexis Mac Allister, but the late heroics could not entirely conceal what was arguably their poorest first-half display of the season. Arne Slot’s side had a goal ruled out for handball deep into stoppage time before finally breaking Forest’s resistance moments later in a chaotic finale shaped by VAR intervention and fine margins.
The result lifts Liverpool into sixth place in the Premier League table on 45 points, level with Chelsea and Manchester United, as the race for Champions League qualification tightens. Yet while the three points were invaluable, serious questions remain about consistency, attacking sharpness and the growing impact of injuries on Slot’s squad.
Liverpool Snatch Victory in a Wild Finale
From anguish to ecstasy in a matter of minutes, Alexis Mac Allister experienced the full emotional spectrum of elite football. In the 90th minute, the Argentina midfielder thought he had secured a priceless winner when Ola Aina’s attempted clearance ricocheted off him and into the net. However, after a prolonged VAR review, the goal was disallowed for handball, with replays confirming the ball had struck his elbow.
Liverpool refused to relent. In the seventh minute of added time, Dominik Szoboszlai’s delivery was nodded goalwards by captain Virgil van Dijk. Forest initially scrambled clear, but the loose ball fell invitingly to Mac Allister, who made no mistake from close range. Another tense delay followed as officials checked for offside, but semi-automated technology confirmed that Aina’s positioning had played Van Dijk onside in the build-up.
The celebrations among the away support were unrestrained. Speaking afterwards, Mac Allister acknowledged the performance had fallen short, admitting there were “plenty of things to improve,” even as he savoured a decisive contribution that could prove vital in the months ahead.
Injury Blow Compounds Slot’s Selection Problems
Liverpool’s preparations were disrupted before kick-off when Florian Wirtz withdrew during the warm-up after reporting discomfort. The German playmaker has grown increasingly influential in recent weeks, providing much-needed creativity amid an inconsistent campaign.
Curtis Jones was drafted into the starting XI, but struggled to impose himself on proceedings. Without Wirtz’s vision and tempo control, Liverpool lacked cohesion in midfield, and striker Hugo Ekitike often found himself isolated. The absence of a clear supply line blunted their attacking threat for long spells.
Slot’s injury list remains a concern. Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni have suffered season-ending knee injuries, Alexander Isak remains sidelined with a broken leg, and Wataru Endo continues to recover from an ankle problem. Although Jeremie Frimpong is expected to return soon, any extended layoff for Wirtz could significantly impact Liverpool’s hopes of securing European qualification.
Was This Liverpool’s Worst First Half of the Season?
Despite enjoying a full week of preparation, Liverpool began the contest sluggishly. In contrast, Forest — under new manager Vitor Pereira — named the same starting XI that had featured in European competition days earlier. Energy levels, however, told a different story.
Forest registered 12 first-half shots, the most Liverpool have conceded before the break in a Premier League match since 2015. Alisson was forced into early action to deny Callum Hudson-Odoi, while Van Dijk produced a crucial last-ditch intervention to prevent further damage. Liverpool’s expected goals (xG) before half-time stood at a meagre 0.06, with no shots on target.
The visitors’ lack of urgency and composure was evident. Passing was imprecise, pressing inconsistent, and defensive transitions laboured. For a side chasing Champions League qualification, the opening 45 minutes represented a troubling regression.
Mohamed Salah Endures Lengthiest League Goal Drought
There was visible frustration when Mohamed Salah was withdrawn late in the match. The Egyptian forward is currently experiencing the longest Premier League goal drought of his Liverpool career, having failed to score in nine consecutive league appearances.
Although Salah has contributed in other competitions in recent weeks, his league output has dipped sharply. A player who claimed the Golden Boot with 29 goals last season now has only four league goals by late February — a stark contrast to previous campaigns.
Against Forest, he found little joy against full-back Neco Williams. Even when space appeared, Salah lacked the acceleration and sharpness that once defined his play. While his pedigree remains unquestioned, Liverpool will require a resurgence from their talisman if they are to sustain their top-four ambitions.
What the Result Means in the Wider Context
The victory moves Liverpool level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United, although United retain a game in hand. In a congested race for European places, such narrow wins can carry outsized significance.
Yet this was a performance that exposed vulnerabilities. Slow starts, creative shortages and reliance on late interventions have characterised periods of Liverpool’s campaign. Slot will welcome the resilience shown, but he will also recognise that margins are tightening.
Liverpool return to action at home against West Ham United next weekend, aware that further slip-ups could prove costly. If this dramatic escape keeps their season alive, the manner of it also serves as a warning.
