Why Alexis Mac Allister Goal Was Ruled Out Before Incredible Late Liverpool Drama

In a thrilling Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest's City Ground, Liverpool secured a dramatic 1-0 victory thanks to Alexis Mac Allister's stoppage-time heroics, but not before a contentious VAR decision denied him an earlier goal[1][2].

The drama unfolded in the 89th minute with the score locked at 0-0. Mac Allister, Liverpool's Argentine midfielder, appeared to break the deadlock when a clearance by Forest defender Ola Aina rebounded off his back and into the net. Fans erupted, but VAR official Tierney quickly intervened, spotting that the ball had deflected off Mac Allister's arm before crossing the line[1][2][3]. Referee Taylor announced: "After review, the ball hits the arm of the goal scorer, Liverpool No. 10 [Mac Allister]. Therefore, it's an accidental handball by the goal scorer, so the final decision is a direct free kick."[1]

ESPN's VAR review deemed it a correct intervention, noting the deflection was at sleeve level, within IFAB tolerances for overturning goals involving handball by the scorer—regardless of how harsh it felt for Liverpool[1]. Mac Allister, undeterred, redeemed himself in the seventh minute of stoppage time. Virgil van Dijk's header was spilled by Forest keeper Stefan Ortega, and Mac Allister sidefooted home from close range[2]. A VAR check for offside on Van Dijk cleared the goal, sealing the win[2].

This result kept Liverpool in sixth place, level on points with Chelsea (4th) and Manchester United (5th), who had a game in hand[2]. Mac Allister's resilience epitomized Liverpool's never-say-die spirit, turning potential heartbreak into ecstasy in a match defined by VAR scrutiny and late drama[1][2][3].

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