- Nottingham Forest kept Liverpool from getting any shots on target during the first half.
- Anthony Elanga had two near-scoring opportunities for the home team.
- Nunez scored in the 99th minute.
Darwin Nunez secured a dramatic 1-0 win for Liverpool with a 99th-minute goal against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s resilient team posed a challenge for Liverpool throughout regular time. Following back-to-back cup wins with a dwindling roster of fit players over the past six days, Jurgen Klopp’s ‘mentality monsters’ seemed on the verge of being silenced until Nunez emerged as their savior.
Moments after being denied from close range by Matz Sels, the Uruguayan executed a precise header that left Forest’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
How the Game Unfolded
In the initial stages, Anthony Elanga outpaced Liverpool’s high defensive line but faced strong opposition from Caoimhin Kelleher’s left boot in the most significant opportunity of a subdued first half. The flag could have bailed out Liverpool if not for their goalkeeper, emphasizing Forest’s favored attacking approach.
Jurgen Klopp refrained from alluding to Robin Hood before Saturday’s match, choosing to characterize Nottingham as “a great place to play – but a difficult one.” The outcome confirmed his assessment.
Less than a week after making an impact as a substitute in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win against Chelsea, Bobby Clark secured a second consecutive start. Displaying remarkable confidence for a 19-year-old on his full Premier League debut, Clark tested Sels’ goal with several shots. Following a fluid play down the right wing, a shot from Clark rebounded to Luis Diaz, whose attempt was blocked from six yards.
Before the break, Liverpool couldn’t make Sels make a single save and managed only one shot on target until Klopp introduced Nunez from the bench after an hour.
However, it was the underdog hosts who posed a more significant threat in transition. Once more, the ball found its way to Elanga’s left foot inside Liverpool’s penalty area, but the former Manchester United forward narrowly missed the target midway through the second half.
In the closing stages of the match, Liverpool earned a flurry of set pieces. Forest steadfastly rebuffed every attempt, frustrating Liverpool’s visibly agitated bench.
After the allocated eight minutes of stoppage time had passed, Alexis Mac Allister delivered one final pass into Forest’s box. Nunez outmuscled Neco Williams to direct a header beyond Sels, securing a victory that stretched Liverpool’s lead at the Premier League summit to four points.
Nottingham Forest player ratings
GK: Matz Sels – 6/10 – Unfortunate to lose his clean sheet.
RB: Neco Williams – 6/10 – Aggressive against Luis Diaz, disrupting the winger more than once.
CB: Andrew Omobamidele – 5/10 – Less proactive than his defensive partner.
CB: Murillo – 7/10 – Blocked numerous goal-bound efforts effectively.
LB: Harry Toffolo – 5/10 – Carefully chose moments to advance forward.
CM: Nicolas Dominguez – 6/10 – Started in a withdrawn role but maintained energy for forward breaks.
CM: Ryan Yates – 5/10 – Worked hard in midfield but lacked end product.
AM: Morgan Gibbs-White – 6/10 – Unfazed by defensive pressure, showing composure on the ball.
RW: Divock Origi – 6/10 – Provided an outlet when Forest avoided Liverpool’s high press.
ST: Anthony Elanga – 4/10 – Frequently positioned on the shoulder of the deepest defender but missed a clear chance.
LW: Callum Hudson-Odoi – 5/10 – Showed eagerness to dribble toward goal with mixed success.
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Liverpool player ratings
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – 7/10 – Filling in for the injured Alisson, Kelleher maintained a consistent performance.
RB: Conor Bradley – 6/10 – Given freedom to advance down the wing, contributing to the attack.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – 7/10 – A solid partner for Van Dijk, effectively closing down Forest’s options.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – 8/10 – Displayed calmness, including a composed header back to Kelleher under pressure.
LB: Andy Robertson – 5/10 – Struggled physically against former teammate Origi.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister – 6/10 – Smoothly connected the game in a crowded midfield.
CM: Joe Gomez – 5/10 – Not a natural fit in midfield but avoided major mistakes.
CM: Bobby Clark – 6/10 – Confident on the ball, showcasing swagger throughout.
RW: Harvey Elliott – 7/10 – Moved dynamically, seeking space to set up teammates.
ST: Cody Gakpo – 4/10 – Marginalized in the game; interfered with a better opportunity for Van Dijk.
LW: Luis Diaz – 6/10 – Displayed sparks of energy in short bursts.
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