In the 97th minute, Alexis Mac Allister stood over a ball 25 yards from goal, his eyes locked on the Forest wall. What followed was a moment of sheer precision—a strike that curled into the top corner, silencing the City Ground and sealing Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 victory. It was a goal that shifted the narrative of a match where Nottingham Forest had dominated possession and chances, only to be undone by a single moment of brilliance.

The Match: A Tale of Two Halves

Nottingham Forest came out firing, registering 12 shots in the first half—the most any side has managed in the opening 45 minutes against Liverpool since Stoke City in May 2015. Liverpool, meanwhile, managed just three touches in the opposition box before the break. The stats told a story of a Reds side struggling to find their rhythm, while Forest looked like they had every right to be leading at half-time.

The second half saw Liverpool gradually find their footing, but they were still unable to break down Forest’s resolute defense. It wasn’t until the 97th minute that the deadlock was broken. Mac Allister’s goal, initially disallowed for handball by VAR, was eventually overturned, much to the relief of the Liverpool bench and fans. The goal was a testament to Liverpool’s resilience, a quality that Virgil van Dijk later hailed as "elite mentality."

Tactical Analysis: Liverpool’s Defensive Masterclass

Liverpool’s approach was simple: absorb pressure and hit Forest on the counter. It was a tactic that worked to perfection, as the Reds limited Forest to half-chances and blocked everything that came their way. The defensive duo of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté were imperious, clearing everything that came their way with a sense of calm that belied the pressure they were under.

Forest, on the other hand, played with a sense of urgency that was palpable. Their high press and quick transitions kept Liverpool on the back foot for large parts of the match. However, their inability to convert their dominance into goals proved costly. The stats speak for themselves: Nottingham Forest have attempted 56 shots in the Premier League without scoring a goal since their last goal versus Leeds United on February 6, 2026.

Key Performers: Mac Allister and Van Dijk Shine

Alexis Mac Allister was the hero for Liverpool, stepping up when it mattered most. His goal was a moment of pure class, a reminder of why he has been such a key player for the Reds this season. Van Dijk, meanwhile, was a rock at the back, making crucial interventions that kept Forest at bay. His leadership and composure were instrumental in Liverpool’s ability to see out the result.

For Forest, Brennan Johnson was a constant threat, causing problems for Liverpool’s defense with his pace and trickery. However, he was let down by a lack of support in the final third, a recurring issue for Forest this season.

The Manager’s View: Slot and Cooper Reflect

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was typically understated in his post-match comments, acknowledging that his side had been fortunate to come away with all three points. "I think we got more than we deserved," he admitted. "A draw would’ve been a fairer result." It was a candid assessment from a manager who knows his team were second-best for large parts of the match.

Steve Cooper, meanwhile, was left to lament his side’s profligacy in front of goal. "We created enough chances to win the game," he said. "But we lacked that final touch. We need to be more clinical if we’re going to start picking up points."

Table Implications: Liverpool Move Level on Points

The win moves Liverpool level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United, a crucial development in the race for a top-four finish. For Forest, the result is another blow in their battle to avoid relegation. With just three wins in their last 15 matches, Cooper’s side now find themselves in the relegation zone, a position that will no doubt have fans and pundits alike questioning the club’s long-term prospects.

The gap between the two sides is now stark. Liverpool’s ability to grind out results in tight games is a hallmark of a side with Champions League aspirations. Forest, meanwhile, are still searching for consistency, a quality that has eluded them for much of the season.

What Comes Next: A Crucial Stretch for Both Sides

For Liverpool, the focus now turns to their next fixture, a clash with Arsenal that could prove decisive in the race for the top four. Slot will be looking for his side to build on this result, knowing that consistency is key in the final stretch of the season.

Forest, meanwhile, face a crucial run of fixtures that could make or break their season. With games against fellow relegation candidates coming up, Cooper will be hoping his side can turn their dominance into goals and points. The pressure is on, and the next few weeks will be pivotal in determining their Premier League fate.

The narrative of this match—Forest’s dominance, Liverpool’s resilience—is a microcosm of the season so far. For Liverpool, it’s a reminder that they can still compete with the best. For Forest, it’s a stark warning that chances must be taken if they are to avoid the drop.