Liverpool snatch late win over Nottingham to boost top-five hopes

Liverpool kept their push for a top-five finish alive after edging Nottingham Forest 1-0 in a dramatic Premier League clash at the City Ground on Sunday.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister emerged the hero for the Reds, scoring a stoppage-time winner deep into added time to seal all three points for Arne Slot’s side.

The visitors endured a difficult first half, struggling to retain possession as Forest dominated proceedings early on.

Forest came close to taking the lead in the opening minutes when Callum Hudson-Odoi broke through Liverpool’s defence, but goalkeeper Alisson Becker reacted swiftly to deny the winger.

Liverpool, however, offered little attacking threat before the break, with their best chance falling to Cody Gakpo, who failed to connect with a dangerous cross from Mohamed Salah.

The Reds improved after the restart but continued to find it difficult to break down a resolute Forest defence.

Drama unfolded late in the game when Liverpool thought they had taken the lead through Mac Allister, only for VAR to rule out the goal for handball.

But the Argentine midfielder made no mistake moments later, reacting quickest after a header from Virgil van Dijk was parried by Forest goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, slotting home the decisive goal.

The victory moves Liverpool level on points with rivals in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification as the battle for a top-five finish intensifies.