Liverpool Player Ratings: Alexis Mac Allister Saves the Day vs. Nottingham Forest

Liverpool secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on February 22, 2026, thanks to a 96th-minute winner from Alexis Mac Allister. The Reds overcame a sluggish start, an injury to Florian Wirtz in warm-ups, and early Forest pressure to grind out three crucial points in the Premier League title race.[1][3][4]

Match Overview

Liverpool dominated possession (53%) and expected goals (1.76 vs. Forest's 1.26), but managed just 10 shots to Forest's 18. The game was tense, with Forest counter-attacking effectively in the first half. Curtis Jones stepped in for the injured Wirtz but typified early sluggishness (rated 5.8-5/10). Arne Slot's tactics drew criticism for lacking adjustment post-injury, though late subs sparked life (Slot: 4/10).[1][2][3]

Key Performances

• Alisson (GK): 8.1/10 – Calm and reliable; smothered early threat from Hudson-Odoi.[1][4]
• Dominik Szoboszlai (RB): 8.0-6/10 – Versatile, deployed in multiple roles to influence play.[1][4]
• Ibrahima Konaté (DF): 7/10 (Man of the Match) – Commanding against Forest pressure.[3][4]
• Virgil van Dijk (DF): 6-7/10 – Solid duels; recovered from a blow to aid the winner.[2][3][4]
• Ryan Gravenberch (DM): 6-7.4/10 – Composed but midfield struggled vs. Sangaré/Anderson.[1][3]
• Alexis Mac Allister (AM): 8/10 – Hero of the day; disallowed goal followed by mental resilience for the actual 96th-minute winner.[3]
• Cody Gakpo (LW): 5-7/10 – Sauntered without impact; poor decision-making.[1][2]
• Curtis Jones: 5-5.8/10 – Sluggish start; subbed off.[1][3]

Substitutes & Winners/Losers

Rio Ngumoha (77' for Gakpo/Salah): 6.5-8/10 – Instant spark with crosses and dribble for the winner; pushing for more minutes.[1][3] Late subs: Joe Gomez, Andy Robertson (N/A).[1]

Winners: Mac Allister (match-saver), Ngumoha (impact sub), Alisson (steady).[1][3] Losers: Gakpo (contained), Jones (sloppy), Slot (tactical woes).[1][2][3]

This gritty win papers over cracks but keeps Liverpool's title push alive amid concerns for upcoming fixtures.[1][2]

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