Liverpool is level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League standings after beating Nottingham Forest via a late Alexis Mac Allister goal
19:50, 22 Feb 2026
Arne Slot is hoping to guide Liverpool back into the Champions League places.
Arne Slot is hoping to guide Liverpool back into the Champions League places.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool picked up a huge three points against Nottingham Forest this weekend, with Alexis Mac Allister smashing home a late winner from close range.
Even Arne Slot admitted that Liverpool didn't deserve to win, with its performance in the first especially poor, but the Reds deserve credit for getting over the line and securing the victory in the end.
"My emotions were happiness and relief," Slot said in his post-match press conference. "This is probably the first time I have to do a different post-match press conference than I did throughout all these other games, because today we did not play a good game.
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"The performance, especially in the first half, was not as we've had so many times this season. But we've been on the wrong side of the score after a good performance far too many times.
"Today, I think we got more than we deserved. A draw would have been a fairer result of this game than for us to win it."
Liverpool's next five league games: West Ham (H), Wolves (A), Tottenham (H), Brighton (A), Fulham (H)
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool celebrates with Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool at full time during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at City Ground on February 21, 2026 in Nottingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Arne Slot congratulates Alexis Mac Allister after his injury-time strike earned Liverpool a vital 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool.com says: While the Reds will need to improve on how they have been playing of late, they should win most of the next five. Without question, Slot's men have it easiest on paper out of the three contenders.
Chelsea's next five league games: Arsenal (A), Aston Villa (A), Newcastle (H), Everton (A), Manchester City (H)
Liverpool.com says: This looks like a real test for Liam Rosenior's side. You can easily make the case that the Blues will drop points in each of these fixtures.
Manchester United's next five league games (after Everton tomorrow): Crystal Palace (H), Newcastle (A), Aston Villa (H), Bournemouth (A), Leeds (H)
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Liverpool.com says: Especially with no European soccer or domestic cups to play for, Manchester United should win most of these games. There are a couple of hard ones in there, however, and a trip to Goodison Park won't be straightforward.
For now, Aston Villa is in third spot and has shown some signs of wobbling. Its place in the Champions League next season looks likely to be assured, but it could get dragged into things.
Unai Emery's team still has to play Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. It also ends the campaign with a clash against Manchester City, though Arsenal may have won the title by that point.