Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool: Mac Allister 'Winner' Ruled Out Late by VAR

Nottingham, City Ground – February 22, 2026: In a thrilling Premier League clash, Liverpool thought they had secured a vital victory against relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, only for VAR to intervene dramatically in stoppage time. Alexis Mac Allister's apparent winner was chalked off, leaving the match poised for a tense finish as reported in live Sky Sports coverage.[1][7]

Liverpool, sitting 6th with 42 points from 26 games, aimed to climb toward Champions League spots, two points behind 5th-placed Chelsea. Managed by Arne Slot, the Reds sought consecutive wins after a 1-0 triumph over Sunderland, despite a thin bench featuring only Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez, and Federico Chiesa for experience.[1][2][3] Nottingham Forest, 17th with 27 points, hosted under new boss Vitor Pereira, desperate to build on their shock 3-0 Anfield upset earlier this season.[7]

Early dominance came from Forest: Morgan Gibbs-White orchestrated play, firing seven of nine shots in the first 26 minutes. Callum Hudson-Odoi nearly scored, evading Dominik Szoboszlai but denied by Alisson Becker. Liverpool's goalkeeper Stefan Ortega (standing in?) saw minimal action with just 18 touches matching key attackers like Salah and Gakpo.[1]

Injury news hit Liverpool hard: Florian Wirtz was subbed pre-kickoff by Curtis Jones after a warm-up knock.[1] Forest pushed with Ibrahima Sangare linking up effectively, earning corners and free-kicks, but couldn't convert.

As stoppage time loomed, Mac Allister wheeled away celebrating what seemed a decisive goal, elevating Liverpool's pursuit. But VAR scrutiny – likely for offside or foul – disallowed it late, denying the 'winner' and keeping Forest alive. Pre-match predictions favored Liverpool 0-2, but Forest's resilience shone.[1][2]

Standings underscore stakes: Liverpool (12W-6D-8L, +6 GD) chase top-five; Forest (7W-6D-13L, -13 GD) battle drop. Hugo Ekitike (10 goals) leads Liverpool's attack, Gibbs-White (6 goals) Forest's.[2][3][6] A draw would aid Forest's survival; Liverpool need points for Europe.

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