Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool: Mac Allister Scores Winning Goal Despite VAR Drama

Feb 22, 2026

Liverpool snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, with Alexis Mac Allister striking in the 97th minute to settle a tense Premier League encounter. Arne Slot’s side kept probing deep into stoppage time and were finally rewarded, while Vitor Pereira’s disciplined Forest outfit were left heartbroken after a resolute display.

In front of 30,737 supporters, the match was cagey and tactical. Forest remained compact, forcing Liverpool to move the ball patiently without carving out many clear openings. The decisive moment came after sustained late pressure. Virgil van Dijk’s downward header forced a sharp save from Stefan Ortega, but Mac Allister reacted quickest to convert the rebound. Moments earlier, the midfielder had seen an effort ruled out for handball following a VAR review.

Ortega also produced an impressive stop to deny Hugo Ekitike, while Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic repeatedly blocked Liverpool attempts. Despite Forest’s organisation, the visitors gradually pinned them back in the closing stages.

Liverpool’s midfield struggled for control, with Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones unable to fully dictate tempo. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo were well marshalled, as Forest limited space effectively. At the other end, Morgan Gibbs White and Callum Hudson Odoi offered flashes of threat on the counter, supported by Neco Williams and Ola Aina in wide areas.

Ultimately, Liverpool’s persistence proved decisive. The win moves them level on points with fourth placed Chelsea and just behind Manchester United, intensifying the battle for European qualification.

Post-Match Podcasts

Dave Hendrick is joined by Jim Boardmen on Post-Match RAW with fast reaction to Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this afternoon- Listen Now