Alexis Mac Allister nets 97th-minute winner as Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest F.C.

Alexis Mac Allister struck deep into stoppage time to hand Liverpool a dramatic victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, sealing the contest in the 97th minute after a chaotic conclusion, Sport360NG reports.

The Argentine midfielder, who had earlier seen a goal ruled out for handball following a VAR review, reacted quickest to turn home from close range after Virgil van Dijk’s header was parried by Stefan Ortega. Although Liverpool’s celebrations were briefly tempered by an offside check against Van Dijk, the goal stood, sparking jubilant scenes among the travelling supporters.

Mac Allister had endured frustration moments earlier when a fortuitous effort was disallowed. Ortega produced a fine stop to deny Hugo Ekitike, and as Ola Aina attempted to clear the danger, the ball ricocheted off Mac Allister and into the net. However, the referee ruled that the ball had struck his elbow, and VAR upheld the decision.

The late drama contrasted sharply with much of the contest, which had offered limited goalmouth action. Liverpool were dealt a setback before kick-off as Florian Wirtz withdrew during the warm-up, and Arne Slot’s side struggled to find rhythm for long spells.

Forest, buoyed by their midweek European triumph over Fenerbahce, began brightly and controlled the opening half. Callum Hudson-Odoi was denied by a sharp save from Alisson Becker, while the hosts registered 12 first-half attempts, the most Liverpool have faced before the interval since their heavy defeat at Stoke in 2015.

Liverpool, who had enjoyed a full week of preparation, failed to impose themselves in the first period, managing just three touches inside the Forest penalty area. The visitors improved after the restart, with Curtis Jones forcing a save from Ortega, but chances remained scarce.

Nikola Milenkovic headed wide for Forest as Vitor Pereira reshuffled his attacking options in search of a breakthrough. Yet despite the hosts’ enterprise, it was Liverpool who delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time.

The win lifts Liverpool to 45 points, level with fourth-placed Chelsea and fifth-placed Manchester United, while Forest remain 17th, two points above West Ham in the relegation zone.