Liverpool maintained momentum in the Premier League title race on Saturday by winning 1-0 at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest thanks to Darwin Nunez's late heroics.
Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi had one of the first attempts of the game with a left-footed shot from distance that just missed the post, before Luis Díaz went close with a shot that went wide of the post.
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A great save from Caoimhin Kelleher to deny Anthony Elanga kept the score level midway through the first half, although replays showed he may have been marginally offside. Murillo's excellent defense denied Díaz moments later from close range.
Andy Robertson had a great chance in the second half after finding space at the far post following a pass from Conor Bradley as Liverpool looked improved, but there was still space for the hosts to exploit as Elanga curled a first-time effort past the post. . Minute 65.
Liverpool's substitutions included the injury returns of Núñez and Dominik Szoboszlai, and it was the former who scored potentially the biggest goal of the season in the final minute of stoppage time to win the game.
Positives
Liverpool increased their control of the match as it progressed and adapted well to the situation. They also welcomed Núñez in the best way possible. The Uruguayan international will be vital for the final months of the Premier League campaign.
Negatives
A poor first half saw few opportunities created, while Nottingham Forest were also allowed to get off to a quick start with a series of dangerous counterattacks when the visitors lost the ball. They avoided dropping points in the title race but there were worrying signs ahead of next week's clash against Manchester City.
Manager Rating
Jürgen Klopp, 7 years old — The coach adapted well to the rival and saw how his team began to take control of the match. He was also clever with his team selection and substitutions as Liverpool continued to deal with a number of injury problems.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best)
Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, 7– The Republic of Ireland international did not know if Anthony Elanga was offside when he made a top-notch save to keep the scores level. The 25-year-old gained confidence and looked calm between the posts as he continued his positive streak coming on for Alisson.
Defenseman Conor Bradley, 7 — Bradley didn't have as much space as usual, although he did enjoy some brilliant moments when teamed up with Harvey Elliott. Impressed by going further in the second half, he gave his opposite full-back, Robertson, a great opportunity.
Defense Virgil van Dijk, 7 — Confident in duels and almost achieved a corner kick in the first half, but his Dutch teammate Cody Gakpo stood in the way.
DF Ibrahima Konaté, 8 — Strong in his tackles and well read the game, the French international demonstrated all his intelligence and defensive ability.
Defender Andy Robertson, 7 years old — Robertson regularly stretched the play on the left flank and showed positive signs of combining with Díaz and Bobby Clark. Unlucky with a great scoring opportunity that he was deflected for a corner, he also made some outstanding deliveries into the box.
MF Joe Gómez, 6 years old — Another game that provided the midfield anchor for Gomez, who kept things simple with his passing and took smart positions to help stop counterattacks. He allowed Alexis Mac Allister to advance further and then moved to left back when Wataru Endo and Nunez were introduced.
MF Bobby Clark, 6 years old — Many times he got involved and showed signs of maturity in his decision making. Not far away with his curling effort that was aimed at the upper right corner.
MF Alexis Mac Allister, 8 years old — The Argentina international helped Liverpool take control of the game and was impressive when given time with his passes into advanced areas. Liverpool's standout star in midfield, who showed composure before picking out Nunez for the winning goal.
FW Harvey Elliott, 6 years old – Tireless work allowed him to fight well and he chose the right moments to take risks in the final third, but he did not seem happy with his performance after being replaced by Szoboszlai.
Forward Cody Gakpo, 5 years old — Gakpo got into promising positions when the ball was out, allowing his full-backs to pose questions to the defense with deliveries, but his decision-making could have been better at times. He should have given the ball back to Nunez by shooting from a tight angle in the second half.
FROM Luis Díaz, 6 years old — He had Liverpool's best chance of the first half when he found space after entering more central areas from the left, forcing an impressive block from Murillo. He continued to threaten intricate link-up plays with Liverpool's forwards but could not find the finishing touch.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes do not obtain qualification)
Darwin Núñez (Robertson, 60') 9 — He scored what could be Liverpool's most important goal of the season and won it late on, in an excellent all-round performance in the 40 or so minutes he was on the pitch.
Wataru Endo (Clark, 60') 6– Always in the right position and playing progressively at the right moments.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Elliott, 76') — He smashed an attempt towards goal before appealing for a handball which would have been harsh given the power of his effort.
Jayden Danns (Gakpo, 84') — After scoring a brace in midweek, he was instantly involved in a penalty check for Danilo's challenge on him. He was then booked for a strong challenge on the goalkeeper.
Kostas Tsimikas (Bradley, 84') — There were only six minutes of regulation time left for Tsimikas to make an impact off the bench. He put a dangerous ball into the area for Danns during injury time.
