Liverpool defeat Forest by 1-0 in Premier League
Liverpool defeat Forest by 1-0 in Premier League action on 21 February 2026 at the City Ground in Nottingham, in one of the most dramatic matches of the 2025/26 season. Alexis Mac Allister’s stoppage-time goal secured a controversial victory, leaving Nottingham Forest supporters frustrated after a dominant home display yielded no points.
The Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool clash on 21 February 2026 featured all the elements of late-season tension: relegation concerns, VAR controversy, managerial debuts, and a decisive moment deep into stoppage time. Despite Forest controlling large portions of the match, Liverpool snatched a 1-0 Forest win, a result that could prove crucial in the race for European qualification.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool: City Ground late drama
The Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool clash took place at the iconic City Ground, where Forest fans created an electric atmosphere. It was Vitor Pereira’s first Premier League match in charge of Forest, and his side responded with intensity and belief.
Forest dominated the first half, pressing aggressively and forcing Liverpool into uncharacteristic errors. Callum Hudson-Odoi went closest early on, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Alisson. The hosts registered 12 of the 14 first-half shots, underlining their superiority.
Liverpool, led by new head coach Arne Slot, struggled to cope with Forest’s physicality and tempo. Pundit Jamie Carragher later described the opening 45 minutes as a “horror show” for the visitors.
Premier League match result decided by late VAR drama
The second half slowed in tempo as Forest visibly tired after their midweek European fixture. Liverpool began to grow into the match, enjoying more possession but still creating little.
Late drama erupted when Alexis Mac Allister appeared to score in the 89th minute, only for VAR to rule the goal out for handball. Replays suggested the ball had ricocheted off his arm, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike.
However, the reprieve was short-lived. In the 97th minute, Alexis Mac Allister’s stoppage-time goal finally stood. The Argentine midfielder reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box, firing home from close range to secure the Premier League match result in Liverpool’s favour.
Alexis Mac Allister stoppage-time goal seals Liverpool 1-0 Forest win
The Alexis Mac Allister stoppage-time goal proved decisive in what many called one of the most controversial finishes of the season. Forest players collapsed to the turf, while Liverpool celebrated a victory few believed they deserved.
Speaking after the match, Mac Allister admitted mixed emotions, praising the win but acknowledging Liverpool’s poor overall performance. The result lifts Liverpool level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United, strengthening their European push.
For Forest, the defeat leaves them just two points clear of the relegation zone, despite a performance that suggested they deserved at least a draw.
Manager reactions highlight City Ground late drama
Forest boss Vitor Pereira expressed frustration, stating that his side deserved more after dominating the first half. He praised the supporters and insisted performances like this would bring points before the season’s end.
Liverpool’s Arne Slot was equally honest, admitting a draw would have been a fairer outcome. He credited his defenders for keeping the team in the game and suggested fortune may finally be turning Liverpool’s way.
The City Ground late drama ensured this match will be remembered as one of the most debated Premier League match results of the campaign.
Premier League standings: 2025/26 season
| Pos | Team | PTS | MP | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 61 | 28 | 18 | 3 | 7 | 56 | 21 | +35 |
| 2 | Man City | 56 | 27 | 17 | 5 | 5 | 56 | 25 | +31 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 51 | 27 | 15 | 6 | 6 | 38 | 28 | +10 |
| 4 | Chelsea | 45 | 27 | 12 | 6 | 9 | 48 | 31 | +17 |
| 5 | Man Utd | 45 | 26 | 12 | 5 | 9 | 47 | 37 | +10 |
| 6 | Liverpool | 45 | 27 | 13 | 8 | 6 | 42 | 35 | +7 |
| 7 | Brentford | 40 | 27 | 12 | 11 | 4 | 40 | 37 | +3 |
| 8 | Bournemouth | 38 | 27 | 9 | 7 | 11 | 43 | 45 | -2 |
| 9 | Everton | 37 | 26 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 29 | 30 | -1 |
| 17 | Nottingham Forest | 27 | 27 | 7 | 14 | 6 | 25 | 39 | -14 |
| 20 | Wolverhampton | 10 | 28 | 1 | 20 | 7 | 18 | 51 | -33 |
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What the result means
Liverpool defeat Forest by 1-0 in Premier League play may go down as one of the season’s biggest “smash-and-grab” victories. The Liverpool 1-0 Forest win keeps the Reds firmly in the top-six battle, while Forest must regroup quickly to avoid being dragged into the relegation scrap.
As the season enters its decisive phase, matches like Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool underline why the Premier League remains the most unpredictable league in world football.
mainstream media references with links you can include in your Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest article:
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Nottingham Forest 0‑1 Liverpool: Alexis Mac Allister scores 97th‑minute winner in ‘robbery’ after late VAR drama – Sky Sports report on the dramatic late goal that saw Liverpool defeat Forest 1‑0 at the City Ground on 22 February 2026.
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/13509103/nottingham-forest-0-1-liverpool-alexis-mac-allister-scores-97th-minute-winner-in-robbery-after-late-var-drama -
Nottingham Forest 0‑1 Liverpool – Premier League match report & highlights – Sky Sports match summary with result details including Alexis Mac Allister’s stoppage‑time goal at the City Ground.
https://www.skysports.com/football/n-forest-vs-liverpool/report/531395
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