Entering the match as a substitute, Darwin Nunez clinched a thrilling victory for Liverpool in the 99th minute, extending their lead at the Premier League summit to four points as they triumphed over Nottingham Forest, who are currently grappling with form.
As the match surpassed the eight additional minutes indicated by the fourth official, Darwin Nunez, making his return from a muscle injury suffered on February 17th against Brentford, directed a precise header into the bottom corner from Alexis Mac Allister’s cross, igniting jubilation on the Liverpool bench and among the spectators.
In the aftermath, flares illuminated the visiting supporters’ section while Jurgen Klopp ecstatically celebrated with his team. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest players converged around referee Paul Tierney at the final whistle.
In a moment of controversy, coach Steven Reid was ejected after vehemently disputing the decision to grant Liverpool possession following Ibrahima Konate’s injury just before the decisive goal.
Although Forest had control when the game halted, play resumed with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher in possession, and the visitors retained the ball, ultimately securing the victory.
This triumph marks Liverpool’s first league win at the City Ground since 1984 and solidifies their position atop the table ahead of a pivotal clash against reigning champions Manchester City next Sunday.
As the game remained deadlocked until the final seconds, with title contenders City and Arsenal yet to play in the weekend’s fixtures, Klopp’s side faced the risk of slipping to third place by Monday night until Nunez’s eleventh-hour heroics.
The defeat for Forest leaves them precariously positioned, just four points above Luton Town in the relegation zone, with two more matches played and the resolution of their financial breach case still pending.
In an otherwise uneventful first half, Nottingham Forest saw the most promising opportunity when former Liverpool striker Divock Origi’s precise pass sent Anthony Elanga through on goal, only for the forward to be thwarted by the extended left leg of Kelleher.
Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Andy Robertson threatened either side of the halftime break, while Elanga’s quick shot narrowly missed the target at the conclusion of a fluid Forest attack.
Despite the visiting team’s persistent pursuit of a decisive goal, clear-cut opportunities remained scarce. Nonetheless, Liverpool persisted and their perseverance paid off in injury time as Nunez clinically found the back of the net.