On a chilly Sunday evening at the City Ground, Liverpool pulled off a dramatic and perhaps undeserved 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Alexis Mac Allister. The match, played on February 22, 2026, will be remembered for its chaotic finale, VAR drama, and the contrasting fortunes of two clubs at opposite ends of the Premier League table.
Coming into the match, Liverpool were riding a modest wave of momentum, having bounced back from a frustrating loss to Manchester City with two consecutive wins in the league and FA Cup. However, the Reds faced a daunting challenge in Nottingham Forest, a side rejuvenated under new manager Vitor Pereira, who had just masterminded a 3-0 Europa League triumph over Fenerbahce. Forest, sitting 17th and just above the relegation zone, were desperate for points, while Liverpool eyed a chance to strengthen their Champions League ambitions.
The pre-match narrative took an unexpected turn when Florian Wirtz, a key creative force for Liverpool, was scratched late after warm-ups due to injury. Curtis Jones stepped in, and the late change seemed to unsettle Arne Slot’s men from the outset. As the match kicked off, Forest came out swinging, buoyed by their midweek European success and the energy of their home crowd. Within five minutes, Callum Hudson-Odoi broke through Liverpool’s defense, only to see his shot smartly blocked by Alisson Becker. It was an early warning sign for Liverpool, who struggled to find their rhythm throughout the first half.
Forest dominated the opening exchanges, pressing high and forcing Liverpool into error after error. According to multiple reports, Liverpool managed just three touches in the Forest box during the first 45 minutes, while conceding 12 shots—the most they’d faced in a Premier League half since their infamous 6-1 defeat at Stoke in 2015. The home side’s midfield, marshaled by Ibrahima Sangaré and Elliott Anderson, ran the show, while Liverpool’s attempts to build from the back were repeatedly snuffed out. Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool captain, didn’t mince words, describing his old club’s first-half performance as a “horror show.”
Despite Forest’s dominance, they failed to capitalize on their chances. Besides Hudson-Odoi’s early effort, Igor Jesus was denied by a crucial intervention from Virgil van Dijk just before the break, and Anderson curled a shot narrowly over. The hosts looked nothing like a team in a relegation scrap, displaying the confidence and aggression that Pereira had instilled since his arrival. “The first half we played in the way that we played in Istanbul but we didn’t score the goals,” Pereira reflected post-match. “I am frustrated inside. I am angry with football, but you know, it’s time to keep the mentality, to come back stronger and with confidence to face the future.”
Liverpool, meanwhile, appeared out of sorts, hampered by injuries and a lack of attacking spark. Mohamed Salah, enduring a nine-game Premier League goal drought, was largely anonymous, and the visitors’ only real chance before the break came when Szoboszlai found space on the right but failed to connect with Cody Gakpo in the box. The half ended with Forest on top and Liverpool grateful to be level.
After the interval, Liverpool showed marginal improvement. Curtis Jones, filling in for Wirtz, carried the ball forward with more intent, and the Reds began to enjoy more possession. Still, clear chances were scarce. Their first shot on target didn’t arrive until the 54th minute, when Jones turned a Salah header goalwards, only for Forest keeper Stefan Ortega to make a comfortable save. Forest continued to threaten, with Nikola Milenkovic heading just wide as the home side pushed for a breakthrough.
With the match drifting towards a stalemate, Arne Slot made a series of substitutions in the 75th minute, bringing on Rio Ngumoha and Federico Chiesa for Salah and Gakpo. Later, Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez replaced Kerkez and Jones, as Liverpool sought to inject fresh legs and creativity into a tired-looking side. Ngumoha, in particular, made an impact down the right, delivering a dangerous cross that led to a flurry of late drama.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Liverpool finally turned up the pressure. In the 89th minute, Hugo Ekitike’s header was saved by Ortega, and Ola Aina’s attempted clearance ricocheted off Mac Allister and into the net. Liverpool’s celebrations were cut short, however, as VAR intervened and ruled the goal out for handball—the ball had struck Mac Allister’s elbow. The sense of injustice among the visitors was palpable, but they refused to give up.
Just moments later, in the sixth minute of added time, Liverpool earned a throw-in deep in Forest territory. Joe Gomez’s long throw found Virgil van Dijk, whose downward header was parried by Ortega. This time, Mac Allister was perfectly placed to slam home the rebound from close range. After another VAR check—this time confirming van Dijk was onside—the goal stood, and Liverpool’s traveling supporters erupted in relief and jubilation.
The final whistle brought a mixture of joy and disbelief for Liverpool. “Did we deserve that win? Maybe not. But Mac Allister surely was going to make sure they didn’t fully ruin his day,” wrote one Liverpool commentator, capturing the sense of a heist pulled off in the dying seconds. Arne Slot’s side had survived one of their worst performances of the season to claim all three points, moving level on 45 points with Chelsea and Manchester United and boosting their hopes of a top-four finish.
For Forest, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite outplaying Liverpool for much of the match, they remain 17th, just two points clear of the relegation zone. Still, there were positives to take from the performance. Under Pereira, Forest have shown renewed fight and tactical discipline, and if they can maintain this level, survival is within reach. They now turn their attention to a crucial Europa League second leg against Fenerbahce, while Liverpool prepare to host West Ham at Anfield.
In a season already packed with late drama for Liverpool, Mac Allister’s 97th-minute winner at the City Ground will go down as another unforgettable moment. For Forest, it’s back to the drawing board—but on this evidence, they’ve got every reason to believe they can fight their way to safety.