Nott'm Forest 0 Liverpool 1
Jurgen Klopp’s side travelled to the City Ground with history suggesting this would be a tough test for the German’s side, heavily depleted by injuries. Liverpool had never won a Premier League game here, something that would need to change for the sake of their title ambitions.
Former Liverpool player Divock Origi, cut inside from the right wing onto his left foot and got a shot off at goal from outside the box. With the keeper at full-stretch, his effort went narrowly wide of the post to show the hosts’ intent from the outset.
As an attack broke down for the visitors, Forest looked to counter-attack. Origi slotted Elanga in behind the Liverpool defence and only the outstretched leg of Kelleher could deny the hosts taking the lead. Forest were starting to knock on the door.
With first-choice keeper Alisson still out injured, Kelleher is starting to find his form and was pivotal in the Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea. The young Irishman was proving a lot of his doubters wrong and playing a big part in Klopp’s final season in charge.
Credit: @NFFC
Bradley and Elliott combined down the right wing with the cross finding Clark in the box. His shot was blocked but Diaz reacted quickest only to see his effort deflected behind by Murillo as he made a last-ditch challenge to keep the scores level.
Forest have made more signings than Sony Music Entertainment since their promotion to the Premier League, something that may affect their Profit and Sustainability accounts, with harsh penalty later this week. However, the young Brazilian defender is becoming a stand-out regular.
Playing in a more attacking role, Alexis Mac Allister was pulling all the strings for the visitors. He linked up with Elliott, who fed Bradley out wide, whose cross found its way to Robertson at the back post. The full-back’s shot was deflected wide by an outstretched boot from the Forest keeper.
Anything but victory would seriously harm Liverpool’s title push with both Man City and Arsenal hot on their heels. Klopp felt the time was right to bring Darwin Nunez off the bench as they searched for an elusive goal to seal the three points.
The hosts were struggling to break down the crisp passing style of the visitors and as Diaz laid the ball off to Nunez, his shot nestled in the side netting. The Uruguayan striker is enjoying one of his best seasons in a Liverpool shirt, dubbed ‘Captain Chaos’ by Jamie Carragher.
Opposing fans are often comparing Nunez to a substandard version of Andy Carroll, which seems bizarre considering the forward was the first player in the Premier League to achieve ten goals and ten assists this season. Words that may come back to haunt them.
Credit: @LFC
Toffolo got down the left flank and cut the ball back perfectly to an unmarked Elanga. The former Man Utd player struck his shot first time, with Kelleher rooted to the spot as his effort went narrowly wide of the far post. Another good chance went begging for the hosts.
Often champions find a way to win even when not playing at their peak levels. With time running out, many were wondering whether this draw would end up costing Klopp’s side dearly when it comes to the end of the season.
Danillo picked out Hudson-Odoi with a neat pass, the winger then dropped his shoulder and cut inside onto his right foot. He managed to get a shot away but was unable to cause the Liverpool keeper any problems as he saved at his near post.
The visitors forced a corner, with Nunez getting a flick on at the near post. It deflected off the back of Murillo and Sels made a sublime one-handed stop to keep the ball out deep into added time. At this point it seemed like it was not going to be The Reds’ day.
Hudson-Odoi then picked out Gibbs-White at the back post, whose shot was well blocked by Van Dijk, at the expense of a corner. As the ball was swung in, Forest claimed for a penalty but the referee was not interested and halted play for a head injury to Konate.
The game restarted with an uncontested drop ball for Kelleher, which Nuno Espirito Santo was not happy with. Liverpool came forward for one last attack and forced a corner. The hosts had numerous chances to clear the ball but the visitors won it back.
Mac Allister lifted a ball into the back post, which Nunez deftly flicked into the bottom corner of the goal. The away end erupted as Liverpool bagged their winner in the 99th minute, with Forest players left with their heads in their hands.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are making a name for themselves for winning games late on. They did it at Wembley and replicated it once again here. This was a huge win for Liverpool, ensuring that they would remain top of the table for another week.
Did you enjoy this article? Please share to your social media. With one click you can help spread the word and make Solid at the Back the one-stop shop for all Premier League fans.