Liverpool Overcome Late VAR Drama as Alexis Mac Allister Scores Winner - 5 Talking Points

In a tense Premier League clash at The City Ground on February 22, 2026, Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Alexis Mac Allister. The match, part of the 2025/26 season, saw Liverpool climb to 42 points in sixth place, while Forest remained in 17th with 27 points[3][5][6].

The game was a scrappy affair, with Liverpool delivering what was described as a poor display overall, struggling to create clear chances against a resilient Forest defense[6]. Nottingham Forest, missing key players like John Victor, Matz Sels, Willy Boly, and Chris Wood due to injuries, posed threats through Morgan Gibbs-White (6 goals) and Hugo Ekitike (10 goals), but couldn't break the deadlock[3][4][5]. Liverpool's absentees included Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, and Alexander Isak, yet they grinded out the result[4].

Key Talking Points:

1. Mac Allister's Heroics: The midfielder's stoppage-time strike proved decisive, redeeming a flat performance and earning vital three points[6].
2. Late VAR Drama: A controversial VAR decision in the dying minutes heightened tensions, nearly costing Liverpool as Forest pushed for an equalizer[1][6].
3. Forest's Resilience: Despite their lowly position, Forest frustrated Liverpool with solid defending and counter-attacks led by Gibbs-White and Ekitike[3][4].
4. Injury Woes: Both sides battled depleted squads, highlighting squad depth issues—Forest hit hardest with multiple defensive absences[4].
5. Title Race Implications: Liverpool's win keeps them in contention, trailing leaders Arsenal (58 points) and Manchester City (56 points), avoiding a season sweep by Forest[3][5].

Standout performers included Virgil van Dijk (6.4 rating) for Liverpool and Jota Silva (6.8) for Forest. The result underscores Liverpool's grit amid a mid-table scrap, with Mohamed Salah's assists (6) remaining crucial[5]. Post-match, focus shifts to Forest's managerial search for a bounce[4].

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