Despite securing a dramatic 1-0 victory thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s 97th-minute winner, the performance was far from convincing and raised serious questions about Arne Slot’s side as they chase silverware this season. Forest, fighting to climb away from the relegation zone under Vítor Pereira, dominated possession, controlled the midfield battle, and created the clearer opportunities throughout the 90 minutes plus added time.
Liverpool managed only 38% possession, their lowest in a Premier League game this campaign, and recorded just three shots on target across the entire match. Forest, by contrast, had 14 attempts (five on target) and repeatedly exposed gaps in the Reds’ high defensive line. Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga were particularly dangerous down the flanks, while Morgan Gibbs-White dictated play in midfield and tested Alisson with several long-range efforts.
Key moments highlighted Liverpool’s struggles:
- In the first half, Forest hit the woodwork twice (through Gibbs-White and Chris Wood) and forced Alisson into a superb double save.
- Liverpool’s build-up was slow and predictable, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones frequently dispossessed in dangerous areas.
- Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté were under constant pressure from Forest’s direct play and second-ball work, leading to several nervy clearances and near-misses.
- Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz were largely neutralized, managing only one shot between them in open play.
The turning point came late. In the 89th minute, Mac Allister thought he had scored when a clearance deflected off his elbow and into the net, but VAR overturned it for handball. Then, in the 97th minute, he pounced on a rebound after Van Dijk’s header was saved by Stefan Ortega, firing home the winner after a lengthy offside check.
Post-match, Slot acknowledged the performance issues: “We weren’t at our best today. Credit to Forest—they pressed us hard, won second balls, and made it difficult. We have to be more clinical and composed in these games.” He praised the resilience shown in grinding out the result but admitted the team “looked vulnerable at times” and needs to improve defensively against top pressing sides.
Liverpool fans were divided online. Many celebrated the three points and Mac Allister’s heroics, but a significant portion expressed concern over the lack of control and creativity. Comments ranged from “Robbed a win we didn’t deserve” to “We got lucky—Forest were the better team for 95 minutes.”
The result keeps Liverpool firmly in the title conversation, but the performance served as a stark reminder that they remain vulnerable when opponents disrupt their rhythm and press aggressively. Forest, despite the defeat, will take huge encouragement from outplaying one of the league’s elite sides at home.
