The pundits lined-up to applaud the substitute who helped turn the game in Liverpool's favour in their dramatic 1-0 Premier League victory at Nottingham Forest
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool is under pressure from Dan Ndoye and Neco Williams of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at the City Ground in Nottingham, England, on February 22, 2026. (Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Rio Ngumoha takes on Dan Ndoye and Neco Williams during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at the City Ground in Nottingham, England, on February 22, 2026(Image: Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Alexis Mac Allister's was Liverpool's last-gasp hero in their dramatic 1-0 Premier League victory at Nottingham Forest. But it was the name of another Reds player who was on the lips of the pundits after a thrilling conclusion to what otherwise was shaping up to be an afternoon to forget.
The defending champions were miles below their best in the first half and the only positive they could take from a 45 minutes Arne Slot admitted was the worst of his Anfield reign, was that it was goalless at the break.
Liverpool did improve after the restart but their efforts to find a winner looked set to end in frustration when McAllister had a goal controversially disallowed for handball.
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But just moments later, with the match deep into the 97th minute, the World Cup-winning midfielder bundled the ball home in a crowded box to spark scenes of unbridled joy in the away end.
It was a result that moved the Reds level on points with fifth-placed Manchester United and fourth-placed Chelsea in the race for Champions League football.
And it left two of the club's former players making the same point about the youngster who they feel changed the game.
While more experienced wingers Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah struggled throughout, Rio Ngumoha was electric when he came on, leading Jamie Carragher bluntly to say on Sky Sports moments after the full-time whistle: "Ngumoha did more in 15 minutes than Salah and Gakpo did before that. He changed the game and needs to be starting games.
"There's no-one better in getting last-minute winners in Premier League - and that is Liverpool."
Daniel Sturridge also raved about the 17-year-old. He said on X: “Every time I watch Rio Ngumoha, he looks electric.
"Direct, fearless, always trying to affect the game. He deserves more minutes. Simple as that."
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Even a long-time Liverpool rival, the former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, was impressed. Taking to X, he said: "Top drawer the kid Rio for LFC.
"Changed the game for them. A winger that wants to beat his man and deliver with a mix of speed and finesse."
Ngumoha’s run into the box down the inside right channel and cross towards Hugo Ekitike for Mac Allister’s disallowed goal set in motion a series of events that ultimately led to the decisive finale.
The England Under-19 international was making his 15th appearance of the season. However, he has yet to make his full Premier League debut.
But as Carragher and Sturridge are demanding, that could soon be on the cards.
Liverpool host third-from-bottom West Ham United on Saturday (3pm kick-off) before travelling to basement boys Wolves on Tuesday, March 3 (8.15pm kick-off).
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