What a stressful afternoon. We always knew this would be a difficult fixture, given the atmosphere at the City Ground and Nottingham Forest’s desperate need for points. However, walking away with a 1–0 victory feels like a significant step toward our ambitions for Champions League football next season.
The game was a tactical battle from the first whistle. Forest were incredibly disciplined and sat deep while looking to hit us on the counter attack. We dominated possession but looked lethargic at times and struggled to find that final clinical pass to break through their low block.
A late goal from Alexis Mac Allister was ruled handball by VAR and it felt like it simply wasn’t going to be our day. The frustration in the away end was palpable as chances went begging and the clock ticked toward the final whistle.
However, just as we were preparing for a disappointing goalless draw, the breakthrough arrived in dramatic fashion. Deep into stoppage time, Mac Allister once again found himself in the box, rising highest to flick a header into the bottom corner, and this time his goal was allowed by VAR.
With Aston Villa and Chelsea both drawing on Saturday, Liverpool now move level on points with fourth place and we can all breath a sigh of relief.
