It was late drama for Liverpool, with Alexis Mac Allister grabbing a last-gasp winner against Nottingham Forest.
It was the kind of game we were expecting at the City Ground — slow, physical, and not fun to watch.
The first 45 was as flat a performance as we have seen from Liverpool, with neither side posing much danger.
The second period was more lively, but the quality wasn’t much better.
Liverpool thought they got some rare Premier League luck with a deflected goal, but they were denied by a Mac Allister handball.
Change my mind Rio Ngumoha was Liverpool’s star man despite barely playing vs Forest
Can anyone take the MOM award off him? Have your say!
Nottingham Forest v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Luckily for the Reds, he got another go at it in the final minute of the game to seal it for the visitors. A huge 1-0 win.
Liverpool player ratings vs Nottingham Forest
Alisson Becker – 5
We have recently voiced concerns over Alisson’s distribution for Liverpool. Those concerns weren’t shut down by today’s performance, but a vital early save redeems him.
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Dominik Szoboszlai – 5
Before the game, Jamie Carragher argued that Szoboszlai is Liverpool’s best right-back. He started the game in the back line and was under pressure for much of the 90 minutes, but put in a decent shift before being moved up to midfield.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
Liverpool’s best player by far in the first half, Konate was the only one who looked up for this game. His presence was felt by the home side, who didn’t find much joy in the final third today.
Virgil van Dijk – 6
There were a couple of vital moments from the Liverpool captain that kept us in the game before the break. There were also a few careless instances in possession.
Virgil van Dijk challenges Igor Jesus for the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at the City Ground
Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images
Milos Kerkez – 5
Kerkez continued to show why he has nailed down the starting spot at Liverpool. Nothing special going forward today, but solid in defence.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5
Forest dominated the midfield battle for large parts, and Gravenberch struggled to exert control on the tie.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Same verdict as Gravenberch. Mac Allister repeatedly gave away possession and offered little going forward. Was unlucky to have a winner ruled out, but got his redemption with almost the last kick of the game. Got to praise him for that.
Change my mind Rio Ngumoha was Liverpool’s star man despite barely playing vs Forest
Can anyone take the MOM award off him? Have your say!
Nottingham Forest v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Curtis Jones – 3
Not much good to say about Jones, who was brought in at the last minute when Florian Wirtz was deemed unable to play. He took far too long on the ball and looked way off it in midfield. Slot made the right decision moving him to right-back.
Mohamed Salah – 5
Salah’s struggles against Forest continued in this edition of the fixture. Neco Williams kept him quiet and extended the Egyptian’s Premier League goal drought to nine games — the longest of his career.
Surely there’s no way back to Salah’s best from here?
A new record drought in the Premier League…
Mohamed Salah shakes Arne Slot's hand as he comes off during Liverpool's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Creidt; Getty Images/Liverpool FC
Cody Gakpo – 4
Watching Gakpo hasn’t been a fun exercise in recent months. The Dutchman is playing with no confidence at the moment and looks unconvincing whenever he enters the final third. Time for a change?
Hugo Ekitike – 4
It was another no-show from Ekitike, who has been prone to going missing in these more difficult games. As good as he’s been this season, that’s a trend that needs fixing. The miss from point-blank range was bad.
Hugo Ekitike and Neco Williams fight for the ball
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Substitutions
Federico Chiesa – 5
Chiesa came on for Salah with 15 minutes to go, and he didn’t do much to challenge Slot’s view of him.
Andy Robertson – N/A
Joe Gomez – N/A
Rio Ngumoha – 8
Did more in 15 minutes than Salah or Gakpo did all game. Brilliant impact.
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