Mac Allister Nets Dramatic Winner, Salah Struggles - 5 Liverpool Talking Points vs Nottingham Forest

In a thrilling yet controversial Premier League clash at the City Ground on February 22, 2026, Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest thanks to Alexis Mac Allister's stoppage-time stunner, despite a largely dismal performance.[1][2]

1. Mac Allister's Heroics Salvage Three Points

Alexis Mac Allister emerged as the unlikely hero, scoring in the 97th minute after a VAR-disallowed goal in the 89th for handball. His close-range finish from a loose ball sealed a "robbery," as dubbed by Jamie Carragher, turning a potential draw into vital Champions League-boosting points. Liverpool now sit level with Chelsea and Manchester United on 42 points.[1][2][6]

2. Salah's Struggles Highlight Attacking Woes

Mohamed Salah endured a frustrating afternoon, with minimal touches and no impact in Liverpool's blunt attack. Subbed off in the 77th for Rio Ngumoha, his lackluster display underscored broader issues, especially without Florian Wirtz, who was injured pre-kickoff. Forest's defense neutralized the Egyptian star effectively.[2][4][5]

3. First-Half Horror Show Under Arne Slot

Arne Slot's side delivered one of their worst performances, described by Carragher as a "horror show." Outplayed and outshot (Forest had 9 shots in 26 minutes), Liverpool were dominated by Vitor Pereira's resurgent Forest, who missed chances like Callum Hudson-Odoi's early break.[1][2][4]

4. Forest's Resilience Heartens Relegation Fight

Nottingham Forest, buoyed by Pereira's arrival, impressed but lacked a goal. Despite yellows for Morgan Gibbs-White and Ola Aina, they stayed two points above the drop zone on 27 points. Hudson-Odoi and Gibbs-White shone, but Alisson's saves preserved the clean sheet.[3][4][5]

5. VAR Drama and Tactical Tweaks

Late VAR controversy fueled fury: Mac Allister's first 'goal' (via Ola Aina's clearance off his arm) was chalked off, but the second stood. Slot's second-half subs like Chiesa and Robertson sparked improvement, ending Liverpool's four-draw streak and avenging an earlier Anfield humiliation.[1][2][7]

This gritty win keeps Liverpool's top-four push alive amid sloppy form, while Forest can take pride in their display.(Word count: 298)