The Reds put in a dismal showing at the City Ground as but managed to earn a vital three points thanks to a dramatic late winner from Alexis Mac Allister
16:01, 22 Feb 2026Updated 16:08, 22 Feb 2026
Liverpool labored to an unconvincing but vital three points against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, as Alexis Mac Allister grabbed an injury-time winner.
This was another dismal display from the Reds for so long, particularly in the first half, as Forest managed 12 shots compared to Liverpool's two. The Reds managed one shot on target in 90 minutes, before scoring twice late on via Mac Allister.
The first was disallowed for handball, as the ball was cleared off his arm by Ola Aina, but the second stood after a lengthy VAR check. Virgil van Dijk was deemed to be onside before he headed the ball back across for Mac Allister to tap in. Here's how we rated the players.
Winners
Mac Allister's late winner will live long in Liverpool folk lore, even if he put in a poor display. Rio Ngumoha also had a huge impact after his introduction off the bench, while the win hugely helps the Reds' top-five hopes.
Losers
Wirtz's injury is a huge blow to Liverpool, but also the player, who has been the Reds' most consistent creative outlet in recent weeks, and appears to have put those early-season frustrations behind him. Mohamed Salah being replaced with 12 minutes remaining also sums up his underwhelming season.
Player ratings
Alisson (5). Made a great save to come out and smother the ball at feet of Callum Hudson-Odoi after just three minutes. However, the goalkeeper's poor distribution contributed to Liverpool's poor start
Dominik Szoboszlai (6). Started at right-back but moved into midfield after 30 minutes. The Hungarian added greater intensity to the Reds' press after that change. Szoboszlai's excellent cross resulted in Mac Allister's late winner.
Ibrahima Konate (6). Probably Liverpool's best defender once again and the Frenchman made some important contributions.
Virgil van Dijk (5). Was caught out of position on several occasions, and one such instance resulted in Alexis Mac Allister committing a foul to prevent a Forest attack. However, Van Dijk made a vital interception to stop Igor Jesus fashioning a shot in the 39th minute.
Milos Kerkez (4). A disappointing downturn on his recent displays. The left-back lacked composure on the ball and was offered little going forward.
Ryan Gravenberch (5). Struggled to deal with Forest's midfield runners and found it tough to control the pace of proceedings from the base of midfield.
Alexis Mac Allister (5). Another off-color performance from the World Cup-winning midfielder. Mac Allister was too often outmuscled and struggled to keep the ball. But few will remember that after his late heroics in Nottingham.
Mohamed Salah (4). Found it difficult to get involved and, when he did, the winger was unable to provide any attacking thrust. Another who lacked physicality, this was another indication of how Salah's standards have dropped. He improved marginally after the break, with a few forays down the Liverpool right.
Curtis Jones (4). A late introduction to the starting XI after Wirtz suffered a knock in the warm-up. Liverpool's no.17 nearly handed the Reds the lead early in the second half, only to see his close-range effort denied by Stefan Ortega.
Cody Gakpo (5). Another who failed to stamp his presence on the game. This was another game where Gakpo and Kerkez's poor on-field relationship was evident. Along with Salah, Gakpo was replaced with 12 minutes remaining.
Hugo Ekitike (5). Didn't connect with his Liverpool team-mates and was unable to create chances for himself, as has often been the case this season.
Substitutes
Federico Chiesa (5)
Rio Ngumoha (6)
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Andy Robertson (N/A)
Joe Gomez (N/A)