Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool: Mac Allister Nets Late Winner

Liverpool secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on February 22, 2026, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Alexis Mac Allister. The match, a Premier League clash broadcast live on Sky Sports, saw Arne Slot's side avenge their earlier 3-0 humiliation at Anfield in November.[1][6]

Match Preview and Context

Nottingham Forest, under new manager Vitor Pereira, entered the game precariously positioned just above the relegation zone with 27 points from 26 matches (7 wins, 6 draws, 13 losses).[2][3] Pereira had started strongly, replicating the prior 3-0 win over Liverpool by thrashing Fenerbahce 3-0 in the Europa League.[1][5] Forest boasted key performers like Morgan Gibbs-White (6 goals) and Hugo Ekitike (10 goals for Liverpool? Wait, contextually Forest threats).[4]

Liverpool, sitting 5th or 6th with 42 points (12-6-8), aimed to close the gap to Champions League spots after Chelsea's slip against Burnley. Recent form included a 1-0 win over Sunderland, but inconsistencies lingered.[2][5] Standings showed Arsenal leading at 58 points, with Liverpool chasing Chelsea and Man Utd on 45.[2][3]

Game Summary

The first half ended 0-0, with Liverpool's inexperienced bench (sans Robertson, Gomez, Chiesa) highlighting concerns. Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega (Liverpool?) saw minimal action, matching touches of stars like Salah and Gakpo.[5] The second half remained tense and lackluster, per reports.[7]

In dramatic stoppage time, Alexis Mac Allister rifled home the decisive goal after a poor overall Liverpool display, clinching three vital points.[6][7] Full time: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool. Slot praised Forest's unpredictability pre-match.[1]

Key Implications

This "huge" win boosts Liverpool's top-four push, avoiding a season sweep by Forest—who had one home win away from it.[4][6] Forest's fight against relegation intensifies, despite Pereira's promise.[1][5]

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