Mac Allister Nets Late Winner for Liverpool at Forest

In a tense Premier League clash at the City Ground on February 22, 2026, Liverpool secured a vital 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time goal from Alexis Mac Allister in the 90+7th minute.[4] The Reds avenged their earlier 3-0 humiliation at Anfield in November, where Forest capitalized on Liverpool's slump under manager Arne Slot.[1]

Nottingham Forest, sitting precariously just above the relegation zone with a 7-6-13 record and 27 points from 26 games, were desperate for points under new manager Vítor Pereira.[2][3] Pereira's side started strongly, dominating early possession and creating chances, with Morgan Gibbs-White heavily involved—earning a yellow card alongside Ola Aina.[4][7] Forest fired off seven of the first nine shots, including a close-range effort from Callum Hudson-Odoi saved by Alisson Becker.[7]

Liverpool, sixth in the table with 12-6-8 and 42 points, showed resilience despite injury concerns, including Florian Wirtz being substituted pre-match by Curtis Jones.[7] The visitors struggled to create clear opportunities initially, with Mohamed Salah and others barely out-touching goalkeeper Alisson in the first half.[7] Slot had warned of Forest's unpredictability post their managerial change and recent form replication against Fenerbahce.[1]

The game remained goalless until Mac Allister's late strike broke Forest hearts, boosting Liverpool's top-five chase after Chelsea's slip against Burnley.[1] Forest's Hugo Ekitike led their scoring with 10 goals, but they couldn't convert dominance into points.[5] Liverpool's win, predicted by some at 0-2, keeps them two points off fifth amid a mixed run of alternating results.[7]

Key stats: Forest 17th-approaching, 25 GF/41 GA; Liverpool 6th, 41 GF/34 GA. Yellows for Forest; clean sheet for Alisson (6th this season).[2][4][5]