Alexis Mac Allister struck late to deliver a rather undeserved 1-0 win for Liverpool away at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.
Despite dominating possession and plenty of probing, the Reds struggled to pick a considerable Forest lock, and in the end, it was the hosts who had more shots and touches in the opposition box.
However, Arne Slot’s side somehow found a winner in the dying moments through Mac Allister, who was quickest to react to a scramble inside Stefan Ortega’s six-yard box — minutes after having another goal disallowed for handball after VAR review.
Fortunate Liverpool snatch vital late win
It must be stressed that this was a terrible Liverpool performance.
Arne Slot’s side lacked creativity and inventiveness, and spent long spells absolutely frustrated by the superb Neco Williams, Murillo and Co.
And yet, they somehow left the City Ground with all three points.
Just minutes after seeing a fortunate later winner chalked off after VAR review for offside, Alexis Mac Allister pounced on a rebound inside the box to fire home the winner deep, deep, deep into second-half stoppage time.
The Argentine’s strike came off the back of a performance that yielded just 10 shots and 16 touches in the opposition box for Liverpool, but their fans won’t care one bit as they head back to Merseyside level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United above them in the race for Champions League football.
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Mohamed Salah drought plunges new depths
Mohamed Salah has had absolutely no problem scoring goals in cup competitions since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, netting against Qarabag in the Champions League, and against Brighton in the FA Cup in his last appearance.
The Egyptian has also turned on the creative afterburners during that time, registering four assists across all competitions, including one in each of his last two outings.
And yet, he still looks well off the pace in front of goal in the Premier League.
Salah lasted 77 minutes at the City Ground, but failed to register a single shot and had just one touch in the opposition box, showing absolutely none of the threat or attacking verve he’s become known for over the years.
By contrast, Rio Ngumoha created one big chance, completed two dribbles and caused serious problems for Forest in just 13 minutes on the pitch.
Incredibly, Salah has now gone nine Premier League games without a goal for the very first time in his career, and has been stuck on four in the competition this season since 1st November.
Arne Slot desperately needs the talismanic forward back at his best, or Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League qualification will fade away fast. They cannot rely on lucky late winners every week as they did today.
What next for Nottingham Forest and Liverpool?
Nottingham Forest’s next five fixtures:
- 26/02/26: Fenerbahce (H) – Europa League
- 01/03/26: Brighton (A) – Premier League
- 04/03/26: Man City (A) – Premier League
- 15/03/26: Fulham (H) – Premier League
- 22/03/26: Tottenham (A) – Premier League
Liverpool’s next five fixtures:
- 28/02/26: West Ham (H) – Premier League
- 03/03/26: Wolves (A) – Premier League
- 06/03/26: Wolves (A) – FA Cup
- 15/03/26: Tottenham (H) – Premier League
- 21/03/26: Brighton (A) – Premier League