Carragher Uses Salah to Make Instant Rio Ngumoha Point After Liverpool 'Robbery'

Liverpool secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on February 22, 2026, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Alexis Mac Allister, but pundit Jamie Carragher labeled it a "robbery" due to Liverpool's dismal performance[2][4].

Arne Slot's side endured one of their worst displays of the season, with Carragher calling the first half a "horror show." Forest dominated, missing key chances like Callum Hudson-Odoi's early breakaway, yet failed to score despite a resurgent form under Vitor Pereira[2]. Liverpool's frustrations peaked when Mac Allister's earlier goal was controversially ruled out by VAR, only for him to tap in the winner at 90'+7[1][2].

Post-match, Carragher drew parallels between the game and young talent Rio Ngumoha, using Mohamed Salah's enduring quality to underscore his point. He argued that just as Salah's experience salvaged Liverpool's "robbery," Ngumoha's potential mirrors the raw promise Liverpool "stole" from rivals—highlighting the club's knack for unearthing gems amid controversy[2]. Carragher praised Salah's influence despite the team's struggles, suggesting Ngumoha could follow suit as a future star under Slot.

The win propelled Liverpool to 45 points, level with Chelsea and Manchester United in the Champions League chase, while Forest, on 27 points, remained mired in relegation peril but heartened by their display[1][2]. Carragher's commentary emphasized Liverpool's resilience, likening it to strategic "heists" in the transfer market, with Salah as the veteran thief and Ngumoha the promising apprentice.

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