Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the Premier League thanks to Alexis McAllister’s dramatic stoppage-time strike, finally breaking a tenacious contest at the City Stadium.
For long stretches it never felt like a game decided by quality but chaos, and that’s exactly what happened when the Argentina international reacted fastest inside the six-yard box in the 97th minute.
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According to BBC Sport, Virgil van Dijk’s header was saved and Mike Allister saved the ball shortly after another shot was ruled out, leaving the away fans to celebrate first, then wait for VAR, and finally celebrate again.
Liverpool’s disjointed performance leading up to last-minute goal
The game got off to a terrible start before kick-off as Florian Wirtz was injured on the bench and visibly frustrated on the bench, forcing Curtis Jones to step into the starting lineup and make immediate tactical changes.
Dominik Szoboszlai initially started at right-back before Arne Slot reversed his position, which summed up a performance that lacked pace and control.
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Liverpool struggled to maintain possession, struggled to connect midfield and created little sustained pressure throughout the ninety minutes.
Mo Salah smiled wryly and shook his head when he was substituted in the second half, but in truth he had no complaints as the game was essentially behind him and Cody Gakpo.
In fact, junior Leo Ngumoha injected more attacking intent into his cameo than the starting forward displayed for much of the game.
The absences of Alexander Isak and Wirtz were also clearly felt, while the bench lacked a clear game-changer, and this game needed one.
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Despite overall quiet display, Mac Allister still makes decisive decisions
(Photo by Carl Lessing/Getty Images)
Mike Allister’s overall numbers are modest, but telling.
(Source: SofaScore)
No one really dominated the game, but the 27-year-old Argentine midfielder still produced decisive moments.
He also made a defensive contribution with six tackles and two successful interceptions, which reflected the scrappy nature of the game rather than a controlled performance from Liverpool.
If you had to guess which team didn’t play in midweek you wouldn’t pick us because Forest looked sharper, won more second goals and threatened more often.
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Particularly in the second half, the game was slow, choppy and tense, but ultimately it was about scoring points rather than spectacle.
Liverpool are now level on points with the Champions League sides, and while their performance won’t live long in the memory, the result definitely will, as games like this tend to shape the season more than comfortable wins.
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