Liverpool Edge Nottingham Forest 1-0 in Dramatic Stoppage-Time Thriller: 5 Talking Points

Liverpool secured a scarcely deserved 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on February 22, 2026, thanks to Alexis Mac Allister's 97th-minute winner, despite one of their poorest performances of the season.[1][2][3]

1. Mac Allister's Late Heroics Amid VAR Drama

Alexis Mac Allister was the match-winner, crashing home a close-range shot in the 90+7th minute after a loose ball. Earlier, in the 89th minute, his 'goal' was ruled out for handball when Ola Aina's clearance hit his arm—Liverpool fumed, but VAR spared them second time around. This "robbery," as Jamie Carragher called it, turned the game.[1][2][3]

2. Liverpool's Horror Show First Half

Arne Slot's side were woefully out of sorts, with Carragher labeling the first half a "horror show." An experimental lineup saw Curtis Jones play No. 10 before switching with Dominik Szoboszlai after 30 minutes, but Liverpool remained sluggish and outplayed.[1][2]

3. Forest's Resurgence Under Vitor Pereira

New Forest boss Vitor Pereira, fresh from a win at Fenerbahce, inspired a strong showing. They dominated but lacked finishing—Callum Hudson-Odoi missed a golden chance in the fifth minute. Forest stay two points above relegation, buoyed by the performance.[1][2][5]

4. Boost for Liverpool's Top-Four Push

The three points moved Liverpool (13-6-8, 45 pts) level with Chelsea and Manchester United, six behind Aston Villa in third, aiding Champions League hopes despite the poor display.[2][3]

5. Salah Struggles in Subdued Outing

Mohamed Salah had a frustrating night, quiet amid Liverpool's struggles, unable to influence as Forest restricted the Reds' attack. His form dip highlighted broader team woes.[1][4]

This gritty win avenged Forest's earlier 3-0 Anfield thrashing, but questions linger over Slot's tactics.[2][5] (Word count: 298)