Jamie Carragher singles out Liverpool ‘game-changer’ after win over Nottingham Forest | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Liverpool secured a tense 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister’s last-minute goal. The match, held at the City Ground, witnessed Jamie Carragher praising 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha for his impactful performance following his substitution. This victory marked Liverpool’s third consecutive win in all competitions, elevating them to parity with Manchester United on points.
Jamie Carragher heaped praise on Rio Ngumoha following Liverpool’s nervy 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, stating the youngster ‘changed the game’. The victory is significant as it marked Liverpool’s third consecutive win in all competitions, bringing them level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League.
In a tense encounter at the City Ground, Liverpool initially struggled to gain momentum. However, Alexis Mac Allister scored the decisive goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time, after a VAR check confirmed he was onside following a disallowed effort for handball earlier in the match. The relief was palpable for Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, who admitted his side faced difficulties in the first half.
Ngumoha shines in cameo
Rio Ngumoha was instrumental in Liverpool’s late push, coming on for Mohamed Salah in the 77th minute and causing problems for Nottingham Forest’s defence with his pace. Jamie Carragher noted, “There was a player who came on for Liverpool: Rio Ngumoha, who came on in the 77th minute,” highlighting that he “did more in 15 minutes than [Cody] Gakpo and Salah had done up until that point.”
Arne Slot acknowledged the lowly league position of Nottingham Forest, stating he was ‘surprised’ by their struggles despite the quality they exhibited during the match. He emphasised, however, that Liverpool showed a different side in the second half, after making tactical changes.
Mac Allister reflects on mixed emotions
Following the match, Alexis Mac Allister expressed mixed emotions over the victory. “I love scoring, I love winning, so… in that sense, I think it’s a really good day,” he said, yet acknowledged that “we didn’t play very well, so there’s plenty of things that we need to improve.”
Mac Allister also addressed the disallowed goal, feeling it was ‘a bit harsh’ as it hit his elbow but noted that it was a fair decision given the rules. Liverpool’s next fixture will be closely watched as they look to maintain their momentum in the Premier League.