Defeat against Liverpool 'not fair' on Forest - Pereira

In a thrilling Premier League clash at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest fell to a dramatic 1-0 defeat against Liverpool on February 22, 2026, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Alexis Mac Allister. Forest manager Vitor Pereira labeled the result "not fair" on his resurgent side, who dominated much of the game despite the heartbreak[1][2].

Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, endured one of their poorest performances of the season, described by pundit Jamie Carragher as a "horror show" in the first half. The visitors were thoroughly outplayed but snatched victory deep into added time. Mac Allister's right-footed shot from very close range in the 90+7th minute sealed the points, moments after VAR controversially ruled out an earlier goal from the Argentine midfielder[1][2].

Forest, enjoying a bounce under Pereira following his recent appointment, created the better chances. Callum Hudson-Odoi missed their golden opportunity inside the opening five minutes when clean through on goal. The hosts sit precariously above the relegation zone with 27 points from 27 games (7 wins, 6 draws, 14 losses), while Liverpool's gritty win moved them level on 45 points with Chelsea and Manchester United, bolstering their Champions League push[1][2][3].

Pereira's men had previously stunned Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in November, capitalizing on the Reds' slump. This rematch avenged that humiliation for Slot's side, who showed resilience despite fumbling possession and chances. Forest can take heart from their display, though the lack of a goal proved costly in their survival fight[2][3].

Highlights from the match, available via NBC Sports, capture the tension, with Liverpool surviving pressure to clinch three vital points[4].

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