Rio Ngumoha contributed to Liverpool's late surge at the City Ground as it earned a 1-0 win thanks to Alexis Mac Allister's dramatic injury-time winner
17:37, 22 Feb 2026
Rio Ngumoha crosses the ball
Arne Slot praised Rio Ngumoha's impact after the win over Nottingham Forest
Arne Slot praised the impact of Rio Ngumoha after he helped Liverpool secure a crucial three points against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The winger was introduced with 12 minutes remaining of the game at the City Ground, alongside Federico Chiesa, with Liverpool drawing 0-0. But after a disappointing performance up until that stage, the Reds rallied in the latter stages and twice netted via Alexis Mac Allister.
The first was disallowed due to what was deemed an inadvertent handball, and when the second was checked by VAR, the away fans’ hopes sank. But replays showed Virgil van Dijk was onside, and the goal stood, resulting in euphoric scenes in the away end.
READ MORE: Arne Slot sent sobering halftime message to Liverpool before late winner vs Nottingham ForestREAD MORE: Alexis Mac Allister left with 'mixed feelings' after Liverpool heroics
It meant Liverpool earned a vital 1-0 win in the race for a top-five spot, moving the champions level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United.
Ngumoha certainly played his part in sparking that late revival, and provided the cross for Mac Allister’s disallowed goal. After a frustrating few months, during which his minutes have been limited, he is beginning to have a more consistent impact.
“He has incredible potential, otherwise, at 17 years of age, you don’t play as many minutes as he does in the Premier League, let alone at Liverpool,” Slot said after the match.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at City Ground on February 22, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Slot was disappointed for long periods at the City Ground(Image: Getty Images)
“I don’t think there is any other 17-year-old who has played as many minutes in the Premier League as he did. I don't think there is an 18-year-old or 19-year-old that has maybe played as many minutes as Rio.
“That tells you how much of a talent he is and we think he is. He is making progress more and more and that's why you see him playing more and more.
“He gets stronger and stronger. Apart from his moment when he had his one-v-one, there were also one or two other moments where he stands his ground.
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest
Alexis Mac Allister scored a dramatic winner at the City Ground(Image: Getty Images)
“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 the age of our group of players.
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“Most teams have players of different ages and physicality.
“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.”