Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool: Gritty Late Win Masked by Ugly Display.

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool: Gritty Late Win Masked by Ugly Display.

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool: Ugly but Precious Victory – Player Ratings and Match Analysis Sunday, 22 February 2026 – City Ground, Nottingham.

                    Liverpool secured a gritty, last-gasp 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on February 22, 2026, in a Premier League encounter that was far from their usual fluid style.

            The match was among the Reds' ugliest victories in recent memory, marked by poor possession, lack of creativity, and frustration until the dying moments. Alexis Mac Allister netted the winner deep into stoppage time, assisted by a well-won knock-down from Virgil van Dijk, after a disallowed goal earlier in the half.

The three points were vital for Arne Slot's side amid mounting pressure, helping them close in on Champions League qualification spots. However, the performance raised serious questions about form, coaching, and individual standards—particularly from key players like Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch. Young substitute Rio Ngumoha emerged as the hero off the bench, injecting energy and creating the decisive chance.




This result highlighted Liverpool's resilience in grinding out wins despite subpar displays, but it also exposed ongoing issues in attack and midfield control. Forest, fighting for survival, created chances but lacked the killer instinct to capitalize.

Match Overview and Key Moments

The game started scrappily, with Forest pressing high and Liverpool struggling to build from the back. Alisson made an early smothering save to deny Callum Hudson-Odoi, setting the tone for a tense first half. Liverpool's possession was disjointed, with midfielders losing duels and forwards isolated.

The second half offered little improvement until late substitutions. Salah's substitution in the 77th minute drew visible frustration, while Ngumoha lit up the game—creating a huge chance for Hugo Ekitike and influencing the build-up to the winner. Mac Allister's late strike came after a goal was chalked off for offside, turning despair into relief for the traveling fans.

Overall team rating: 5/10 – No fight or quality for large periods; an ugly win that doesn't mask deeper problems.


Liverpool Player Ratings

Ratings scale: 10 = Faultless | 9 = Excellent | 8 = Very Good | 7 = Good | 6 = Average | 5 = Below Par | 4 = Bad | 3 = Very Bad | 2 = Awful | 1 = Surely NotAlisson – 7 The Brazilian goalkeeper was alert from the start, producing a trademark close-range save to deny Hudson-Odoi early on. He wasn't heavily tested in the second half as Forest's efforts were mostly long-range and off-target. His distribution remained inconsistent—kicking less precise than in peak form—but the clean sheet will provide satisfaction amid team struggles.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6 Deployed unusually at right-back initially, the Hungarian failed to find his rhythm. Moved into midfield later, he was outplayed by Forest's energetic Elliot Anderson and others. Hard work until the final whistle, but far from his Player of the Year standards this season.

Ibrahima Konate – 7 (Man of the Match) One of Liverpool's few positives, especially in the first half. His physicality and aerial dominance shone through, standing tall despite personal tragedy following his father's death. Not flawless, but his organization and bravery held the defense together in a shaky performance.

Virgil van Dijk – 7 A sloppy start saw poor passes endanger teammates and a half-asleep demeanor. Improved dramatically post-half-time with a vital interception and leadership. His knock-down assisted the winner—classic captain's contribution when it mattered most.

Milos Kerkez – 6 The left-back never settled at the City Ground. Solid defensively without major errors, but offered little attacking threat. Struggled to link with Cody Gakpo, remaining largely anonymous.

Ryan Gravenberch – 5 His form continues to fly under the radar amid focus on others. Disappointing here—losing possession frequently and a shadow of last season's world-class No. 6. Liverpool desperately need more consistency in and out of possession.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6 Below par for much of the game, looking slow and ponderous against Forest's muscular midfield. Reminiscent of late-career Fabinho/Henderson struggles—until his late heroics. Scored the winner after a disallowed goal, showing resilience.

Lackluster Liverpool Snatch Late Win at Forest

Curtis Jones – 5 A late call-up for Florian Wirtz, switched to right-back early after an uninspiring midfield stint. Showed improvement post-interval but failed to impress overall. Frustration over limited minutes was evident, yet this was a missed audition.
Mohamed Salah – 4 A tough watch lately—now on his longest Premier League goal drought (nine games). Sloppy touches, poor decisions, lost pace making him one-dimensional. No ground duels won, one touch in Forest's box. Subbed understandably, though unhappy about it.


Cody Gakpo – 4 Hugely ineffective again—fewest touches of any Liverpool player. Did little wrong but even less right; avoids risks entirely. A forgettable season continues.

Hugo Ekitike – 5 Leading the line demanded more. Poor link-up play and a massive late miss. Youth (still young) requires patience for consistency.

Substitutes ImpactFederico Chiesa (on for Gakpo, 77′) – 6 Unspectacular cameo; added some energy but no game-changing moments.

Rio Ngumoha (on for Salah, 77′) – 8 Transformed the game in 20+ minutes. Created a huge chance for Ekitike and did more than Salah. Lit up an otherwise dull contest—huge difference-maker.


Joe Gomez (on for Jones, 84′) – 6 Kept it simple at right-back; long throw proved useful.

Andy Robertson (on for Kerkez, 84′) – 6 Solid late addition.

Arne Slot – 5

After recent improvements, this was woeful. First-half lack of scoring threat huge issue; no fight or quality most of the game. Quick positional switches (Szoboszlai/Jones) highlighted disarray. Team looks badly coached at times—ugly win doesn't hide problems. Credit for battling to the end, but pressure mounts.

Broader Implications

This scrappy victory keeps Liverpool in the hunt but exposes vulnerabilities. Salah's drought and midfield struggles need addressing urgently. Ngumoha's impact signals youth potential amid senior inconsistencies. Forest will rue missed chances; Liverpool escape with three points but questions linger.

The City Ground atmosphere was intense, yet Liverpool's traveling support celebrated wildly at full-time. Precious points, but performances must improve for title/Champions League ambitions.