Liverpool participant rankings vs Forest as late winner saves three 3/10s horror exhibits
Alexis Mac Allister scored seven minutes into stoppage time to rescue Liverpool after Salah, Gravenberch and Ekitike were all handed 3/10 ratings in a dreadful display at Nottingham Forest
Alexis Mac Allister scored a late winner for Liverpool(Image: Getty)
Arne Slot has finally overcome Nottingham Forest for the first time after Liverpool netted seven minutes into added time to snatch a crucial away victory.
Moments after Alexis Mac Allister witnessed a goal chalked off by VAR, the Argentine slotted home from within the six-yard area to clinch vital three points for Liverpool’s top-four ambitions at the death. The Reds appeared destined to be thwarted by Forest for a fourth occasion under Slot before their dramatic, last-gasp winner at the City Ground.
The visitors were woeful in the opening period, and despite showing improvement following the interval, struggled to threaten Stefan Ortega’s goal significantly until the closing stages. In a frantic finale, Mac Allister witnessed one effort disallowed before his second attempt stood following a tight offside decision
Alisson, 5 – Excellent early stop from Callum Hudson-Odoi and reliable shot-stopping but some instances of truly woeful distribution. Became confused under Neco Williams’ late delivery, which nearly proved costly for Liverpool before Morgan Gibbs-White’s effort was blocked.
Dominik Szoboszlai, 6 – Shifted into midfield 30 minutes in following difficulties at right-back. Intelligent pass to Salah before the Egyptian wasted the opportunity to deliver but not as influential as usual from midfield. Nevertheless, he demonstrated excellent composure in possession before providing the cross that resulted in the winner.
Ibrahima Konate, 8 – Liverpool’s most physically dominant player and reliably commanding in aerial battles. A solitary defensive barrier at moments. Yet conceded some foolish fouls in the second period, reports the Express.
Virgil van Dijk, 5 – An untidy beginning until he received a shot directly to the face, then produced a vital intervention to deny Igor Jesus a one-on-one opportunity. Though culpable of surrendering possession on several occasions. Earns the assist for Mac Allister’s goal.
Milos Kerkez, 6 – A dependable performance featuring plenty of determined defending against Omari Hutchinson. Among Liverpool’s superior performers behind man of the match Konate, yet there remained instances when he required greater ambition with possession.
Ryan Gravenberch, 3 – Reckless with possession far too frequently and woefully struggled in the midfield contest. A genuinely disappointing showing from the Dutchman.
Alexis Mac Allister, 5 – Regularly outmuscled in his battles and too effortlessly bypassed by Forest midfielders. Insufficient quality on the ball as well. Yet emerged with Liverpool’s winner at the death moments after being thwarted.
Mohamed Salah, 3 – Overhit a delivery from an excellent opportunity in the opening period and far too careless with possession when in control. Might have registered an assist when Curtis Jones was thwarted but generally found no success against Neco Williams. Had absolutely no right to display such a smug grin whilst departing the pitch and sitting amongst the substitutes.
Curtis Jones, 4 – Brought in at the last moment for Wirtz. Caught in possession for an early Hudson-Odoi opportunity and battled physically throughout, surrendering the ball carelessly on numerous occasions. Prevented from scoring by Stefan Ortega at close quarters in the second period but would have merely disguised a disappointing display.
Cody Gakpo, 4 – Superior to his fellow starting forwards, though still far from impressive. Delivered a decent ball to Salah at the far post before Jones’ effort was kept out. Beyond that moment, failed to contribute sufficiently.
Hugo Ekitike, 3 – Practically invisible during the opening 45 minutes but squandered one promising opportunity to advance when Forest gifted possession directly to him. Remained subdued in the second period until he ought to have netted Liverpool’s decisive goal in the dying moments, yet the Frenchman directed his header straight at the goalkeeper from point-blank range.
Substitutes:
Rio Ngumoha (Salah 77), 7 – Ekitike ought to have converted from his superb delivery but he posed a genuine menace with the ball. Considerably superior to both Salah and Gakpo despite such a brief appearance. Merits additional playing time.
Federico Chiesa (Gakpo 77), N/A – Failed to make an impact.
Andy Robertson (Kerkez 83), N/A – A crucial intervention on Gibbs-White’s late effort.
Joe Gomez (Jones 83), N/A – Another brief appearance as a substitute.
