Premier League GW27 - Nottm Forest vs Liverpool

Nottm Forest vs Liverpool | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Nottingham Forest hosted Liverpool in a thrilling Premier League match at the City Ground, setting the backdrop for an exciting match full of tension and late-game heroics.

Nottm Forest:

With only four points separating them from the relegation zone at the beginning of the day, Forest will be eager to gain additional ground on their opponents. Since the beginning of 2024, they have only won two of their eleven games (D4 L5), and that one win came against 10-man West Ham in their most recent home game. The Tricky Trees enter the game fresh off of their FA Cup fifth-round elimination due to a late goal conceded in a 1-0 loss to Manchester United. However, they have a winning record against Liverpool, having never dropped a Premier League home game against the Reds (W3 D3), so that gives them hope.

Liverpool:

Liverpool can take a four-point lead over Manchester City and Arsenal in the league standings ahead of their fixtures. In their last 17 games across all competitions, they have only lost once (W13 D3), and that was away from home against the Gunners in the Premier League. The Reds, however, have won five straight games. They advanced to the FA Cup on Wednesday after defeating Southampton 3-0 to build on their EFL Cup success over Chelsea last weekend.

Line ups:

NOTTINGHAM FOREST STARTING XI (4-2-3-1): Matz Sels; Neco Williams, Andrew Omobamidele, Murillo, Harry Toffolo; Nicolas Dominguez, Ryan Yates; Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi; Divock Origi.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST SUBS: Cheikhou Kouyate, Danilo, Joe Gardner, Rodrigo Ribeiro, Felipe, Moussa Niakhate, Taiwo Awoniyi, Ibrahim Sangare, Matt Turner.

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI (4-3-3): Caoimhin Kelleher; Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Alexis Mac Allister, Joe Gomez, Bobby Clark; Harvey Elliott, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz.

LIVERPOOL SUBS: James McConnell, Adrian, Jayden Danns, Wataru Endo, Lewis Koumas, Kostas Tsimikas, Dominik Szoboszlai, Jarell Quansah, Darwin Nunez.

City Ground Stadium | Picture Credits: Football Ground Guide

First Half: Stalemate Ensues - Kelleher Denies Forest's Best Chance:

Both teams engaged in a furious battle in the first half, with Forest defending against Liverpool's offensive assault.

The game began with Nicolas Dominguez setting up Divock Origi, who deftly sidestepped opponents and fired a shot that went just wide of the near post, indicating Forest's early intentions.

Anthony Elanga raced into the box, and Forest took advantage of a fantastic opportunity on the counter. But Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool showed incredible skill by sprinting out and stopping Elanga's low shot with a critical leg save, maintaining a level score.

Liverpool dominated the opening half of the match, although no breakthrough was achieved in that period. With visible dissatisfaction on the sidelines, Klopp pushed his squad to improve in the second half.

Second Half: Liverpool's Persistence Pays Off - Nunez Secures Victory in Dramatic Fashion:

The second half developed with greater ferocity as Liverpool stepped up their attempts to break the impasse.

Liverpool produced a crazy sequence as the game was about to end. As the clock was running out in the ninth minute of stoppage time, Alexis Mac Allister displayed poise on the perimeter of the box. He sidestepped obstacles and sent a precise cross to the far post. Darwin Nunez, a replacement, scored a stunning goal for Liverpool in the 59th minute, soaring over Neco Williams and skillfully heading his header past Forest custodian Matz Sels and into the bottom corner.

Mac Allister's composure, deft footwork, and accurate cross were essential in arranging the dramatic victory that gave Liverpool three vital points.

Liverpool Triumphs in Historic Clash - Nunez's Header Makes the Difference:

Liverpool won their first-ever Premier League match at the City Ground in a historic match. In the final seconds, Liverpool's perseverance paid off despite a strong Forest defence, as Nunez cemented his legacy in the record with a game-winning header.

With the win, Liverpool moves up to the top of the table four points ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City, taking advantage of their upcoming games. Now, Klopp's team will focus on the Europa League as they prepare to play Sparta Prague in the round of 16.

Despite the close loss, Nottingham Forest is currently four points above the relegation zone in 17th position. Their next test will come from an away match against Brighton. Fans of football will never forget today's match because it was an exciting display of late-game heroics at the City Ground.

A goalless first half as both the teams did not score | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Nunez scored a late goal and got Liverpool a win over Forest | Picture Credits: Premier League Website