Mac Allister’s Last-Gasp Winner Gives Liverpool Points at Nottingham Forest
Alexis Mac Allister scored a dramatic 97th-minute winner as Liverpool defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The goal secured a vital three points for Liverpool, moving them level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League table.
Chaotic Finish at the City Ground
The match was characterized by a frantic finish, with Mac Allister initially having a goal disallowed for handball after a VAR review. However, the Argentinian midfielder was able to bundle the ball into the net from close range in the dying moments of the game, sparking celebrations among the travelling Liverpool fans.
Key Moments of the Match
- Early Save: Alisson Becker prevented Nottingham Forest from taking the lead early on, denying Callum Hudson-Odoi with a crucial save.
- Disallowed Goal: Mac Allister had a goal ruled out for handball following a VAR review.
- Late Winner: Mac Allister scored the winning goal in the 97th minute, securing the victory for Liverpool.
Team Lineups and Substitutions
Liverpool made a late change to their starting XI, with Curtis Jones replacing Florian Wirtz after Wirtz was injured during the warm-up. Hugo Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch also returned to the lineup after starting as substitutes in the FA Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Liverpool: Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez (Robertson, 83), Jones (Gomez, 83), Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah (Ngumoha, 77), Gakpo (Chiesa, 77), Ekitike, Gravenberch.
Match Statistics and Analysis
Nottingham Forest arguably had the better of the play for large portions of the game, but Liverpool’s late goal proved decisive. Forest had 18 shots to Liverpool’s 12, but were unable to discover the back of the net. Liverpool’s victory moves them to 45 points, level with fourth-placed Chelsea and fifth-placed Manchester United, with Manchester United having a game in hand.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Nottingham Forest will host Fenerbahce in a Europa League playoff second leg on Thursday before travelling to Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday. Liverpool will host West Ham United on Saturday.