Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was the late goalscorer against Nottingham Forest, giving his side at least two more points than its performance probably deserved
17:14, 22 Feb 2026Updated 17:14, 22 Feb 2026
Alexis Mac Allister scored a late, late winner for Liverpool
Alexis Mac Allister scored a late, late winner for Liverpool(Image: Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister admitted that Liverpool was fortunate to beat Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, but the Reds ace was delighted to make the difference in the end.
Seeing one late goal ruled out for a handball offense, Mac Allister then popped up with an even later winner deep into stoppage time. It moves Liverpool level on points with both Chelsea and Manchester United, though the latter has a game in hand against Everton tomorrow.
"Mixed feelings to be honest," Mac Allister said live on Sky Sports. "I love scoring, I love winning. But I don't think we played very well. It's always nice when you win."
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Mac Allister admitted that the first goal he scored did come off his arm. A VAR review determined that it had hit his elbow and was therefore disallowed.
"It did [hit my elbow], but I feel like it's a bit harsh," Mac Allister continued. "It's a bit of both, but I understand the rules. I thought I would get another one.
"I told Hugo [Ekitike] that this would be our goal, and I'm glad that it went in.
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty Images)
"We need to analyse what we did well and what went wrong. The intensity wasn't there, but we did what we did to win."
It didn't help that Florian Wirtz dropped out with a minor injury. Curtis Jones replaced him and never really got going either in midfield or when he was switched to right-back.
"Florian is a really good player and really important for us," Mac Allister explained.
"It was a different shape and a different way to play. It didn't work, but we will keep working and next game we can do better.
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"We need points to qualify for the Champions League. Now it's time to rest and think about the next one."
Liverpool.com says: This felt like a huge three points for Arne Slot's side. They didn't play well, but deserve credit for getting over the line.
In the future, they are going to need to improve again, and quickly. They need to go on a run to secure Champions League soccer next season, with Chelsea and Manchester United ahead of them.