Liverpool’s 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest was among their ugliest wins in years, but Rio Ngumoha made a huge difference after replacing Mohamed Salah!
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool
Premier League (27) | City Ground
February 22, 2026
Goals: Mac Allister 90+7′
Alisson – 7 (out of 10)
Alisson had to be alert immediately, producing a trademark, smothering save early on to deny Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Not really tested in the second half, most of Forest’s shots were from distance and off target.
Once again, though, his kicking wasn’t as precise as it used to be. But he will be pleased with the clean sheet.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Liverpool’s Player of the Year has certainly played better this season!
He failed to shine at right-back, and when he was moved into midfield, he was outplayed by Elliot Anderson and others.
Kept working hard until the end, though.
Ibrahima Konate – 7 (Man of the Match)
Konate was one of the few bright players for Liverpool in the first half, putting his physicality and aerial ability to good use.
That’s not to say that he was perfect, but he stood tall throughout and continues to play well after the sad death of his father.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 22, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool FC at the City Ground. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Van Dijk made such a sloppy start, looking half asleep and putting teammates in danger with poor passes.
But the skipper improved a lot, making a vital interception before half-time and holding the defence together with his organisation.
Assisted the last-gasp winner with a well-won knock-down.
Milos Kerkez – 6
Kerkez never got into a rhythm at the City Ground, not doing much wrong but failing to stamp his influence on the game.
He offered little in attack, once again failing to link effectively with Cody Gakpo, and he was unnoticed too often.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5
Because of the focus on Mac Allister this season, Gravenberch’s form is going under the radar.
Yet again, he disappointed here, losing the ball too often and looking a far cry from the world-class No. 6 of last season.
Liverpool need a lot more from him in and out of possession.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 22, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates with team-mates Andy Robertson (L) and Ibrahima Konaté (R) after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool FC at the City Ground. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Mac Allister has been better of late, but until his late heroics, he was well below-par.
The Argentine looked slow and ponderous for Liverpool, struggling to match the pace and muscle of Forest’s midfield.
Watching him at the moment feels like watching Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in 2022/23, but then he goes and wins it at the death after having a goal disallowed.
Curtis Jones – 5
Jones came in for Florian Wirtz at the eleventh hour and was soon switched to right-back after an uninspiring stint in midfield.
He has hinted at being frustrated about a lack of football, but he failed his audition here, even though he was better in the second half.
Mohamed Salah – 4
Salah is a tough watch too often these days, and that was the case against Forest.
From sloppy touches to bad decisions on the ball, he was so frustrating, and his loss of pace has made him a more one-dimensional footballer.
Won neither of his ground duels, had one touch in Forest’s box and it’s now the first time Mo has gone nine Premier League games without scoring.
Can’t complain about being subbed, but certainly didn’t look impressed by it.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 22, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates with team-mates Andy Robertson (L) and Ibrahima Konaté (R) after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool FC at the City Ground. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Cody Gakpo – 4
Another day, another game when Gakpo is hugely ineffective – having the fewest touches of any Liverpool player.
The Dutchman didn’t do a lot wrong, but frankly, you’d rather he did, as it would mean he’s actually taking risks!
Having such a forgettable season.
Hugo Ekitike – 5
Far more was required from Ekitike leading the line, with his link-up poor and one massive opportunity missed late on.
It’s easy to forget how young he still is, and that patience is required when it comes to consistency,
Overall Team Performance – 5
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 22, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates with team-mate Federico Chiesa (R) after scoring the first goal but was later disallowed by VAR during the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool FC at the City Ground. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Substitutes
Federico Chiesa (on for Gakpo, 77′) – 6
Fairly unspectacular cameo from the Italian.
Rio Ngumoha (on for Salah, 77′) – 8
Lit up a terrible game, creating a huge chance for Ekitike. Did more than Salah in 20-odd minutes!
Joe Gomez (on for Jones, 84′) – 6
Kept things simple at right-back, long throw is a useful weapon.
Andy Robertson (on for Kerkez, 84′) – 6
Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Ramsay, Jones, Nyoni, Morrison
Arne Slot – 5
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 22, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot on the pitch before the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool FC at the City Ground. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
After some improved performances of late, Liverpool were woeful overall and their first half lack of scoring is a huge issue.
There was no fight and quality on show for most of the game, and switching Szoboszlai and Jones so quickly highlighted how poor the Reds were.
This is a Liverpool team who look badly coached and an ugly win doesn’t change that, even though it’s a precious victory!
Slot remains a man under big pressure, but some credit is warranted for his side battling until the end.