Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool: Late Mac Allister Goal Secures Dramatic Win

Liverpool secured a gritty 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on February 22, 2026, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Alexis Mac Allister, despite one of their poorest performances of the season.

Arne Slot's side struggled throughout, with former captain Jamie Carragher labeling their first-half display a "horror show." Forest, revitalized under new manager Vitor Pereira, dominated possession and created the better chances. Callum Hudson-Odoi missed their clearest opportunity, racing through on goal inside the opening five minutes.

The game hinged on a controversial VAR decision late on. Mac Allister had a goal disallowed, leaving Liverpool fuming, but he redeemed himself moments later by pouncing in stoppage time to snatch all three points. This result propelled Liverpool level on 42 points with Chelsea and Manchester United (12-6-8 record), bolstering their Champions League qualification push, while sitting eight points behind leaders Arsenal (58 points).

For Forest (7-6-13, 27 points), defeat stung despite a strong showing in their relegation fight. Key performers included Morgan Gibbs-White (6 goals in 26 matches), Hudson-Odoi, and Elliot Anderson. Liverpool's lineup featured Cody Gakpo (5 goals), Florian Wirtz (4 goals), and others, with the win marking revenge after Forest's 3-0 Anfield triumph in November 2025.

The match showcased Forest's resurgence post-Pereira's appointment, but Liverpool's resilience proved decisive. Recent head-to-heads reflect tight contests: Liverpool 0-3 Forest, 1-1 draws, and alternating narrow wins. This late drama keeps Slot's title defense alive amid a testing campaign.

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