Liverpool didn't escape criticism from the media despite earning a key victory in their hopes to earn Champions League football
Jamie Carragher speaks into a microphone
Jamie Carragher was not impressed with two Liverpool players in particular(Image: Getty Images)
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Some Liverpool players faced criticism despite securing a vital 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest. The Reds' Sunday visit to the City Ground yielded all three points courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister's 97th-minute goal.
The result drew the champions level on points with Chelsea, as the battle for the top four intensifies with 10 matches remaining. The triumph, Liverpool's second consecutive 1-0 away win in the league, didn't prevent criticism being directed at Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo for their lacklustre attacking display against the struggling hosts.
It was Arne Slot's choice to substitute them whilst introducing 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha that proved the turning point for the Reds securing a stoppage-time winner after Mac Allister's first effort was disallowed for handball.
The Dutchman offered his candid assessment of the teenager's prospects whilst Jamie Carragher called on the Reds manager to make a bold selection choice amid the pursuit of Champions League qualification. We examine the main stories around Anfield.
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Slot's Ngumoha assessment
The introduction of Ngumoha in the 77th minute transformed the match for Liverpool. In what was largely a subdued attacking display from the reigning champions, the teenager's energetic appearance resulted in Mac Allister's initial strike, which was disallowed for handball following a VAR review.
The Argentine netted again from close quarters in the 97th minute, with that strike standing to secure a vital three points for the Reds. It was the 17-year-old who received enormous acclaim from the likes of Carragher and Daniel Sturridge, alongside his own manager in Slot.
"He gets stronger and stronger," Slot said of Ngumoha. "Apart from his moment when he had his one-v-one, there were also one or two other moments where he stands his ground.
Arne Slot shakes Rio Nguomha's hand
Rio Nguomha changed the game for Liverpool at the City Ground(Image: PA)
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"That is what you need because you face 25, 26, 27, 28-year-old athletes mainly as your opponents because we are a bit of an exception in terms of our age group of players. Most teams have players of different ages and physicality."
Despite the growing calls for Ngumoha to receive additional minutes, Slot insisted his teenage sensation requires more than ability alone to build a career at the highest level. The Dutchman elaborated: "For him to show this already at 17 years of age, it says something about his talent.
"But as we all know, talent is only the start of his career, you need so many other things, we have shown today; Macca a great example of mentality and that is something you need to have a career at this level."
Carragher's demand
Among those captivated by the young player's brief appearance was Carragher, who delivered a scathing assessment of the uninspiring performances from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
The Reds legend asserted that Ngumoha merits a place in Slot's starting XI due to the dynamism and unpredictability he brings to a forward line currently lacking in exactly that. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher stated: "Ngumoha did more in 15 minutes than Salah and Gakpo did before that.
"He changed the game and needs to be starting games. I think at some stage, Rio Ngumoha has got to come into the team, or he may have to go with another midfield player or lose a Gakpo or a Salah. I think Liverpool's penetration and pace in the wide areas is really lacking."
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