Aside from the massive 3 points vs Nottingham Forest Liverpool took back from the City Ground, Liverpool showed that they are still the kings of late winners, Rio Ngumoha is a rising star and that the Reds are starting to put their struggles behind them on a ground that has haunted them for a long time.
Still The Best
The EPL is known for late drama and changing scorelines, but no one is better at it than Liverpool. In fact, with Alexis Mac Allister’s 97th-minute goal vs. Nottingham Forest, the Reds now have 48 stoppage-time goals inside Premier League play, 12 more than any other current club. Alexis Mac Allister’s winner yesterday reminded me of Darwin Núñez's late brace to win at Newcastle in 2023.
Rio’s Rising Star
The 17-year-old scored in the Reds U-21 match vs. West Brom earlier in the week and came on to replace Salah in the 77th minute vs Forest. He played well in that short time and has already scored one of those stoppage-time winners vs. Newcastle earlier in the season. With Salah getting older and talks of a transfer, when the Egyptian King does leave his throne at Anfield, is Ngumoha a natural replacement? He has to be at least in the discussions to fill that role.
What It Means
Liverpool secured its second victory in the last 15 tries vs Forest at the City grounds in EPL play, the other a 1-0 win in 2024 on another stoppage time goal from Darwin Núñez. Before that, the last top-flight win for the Reds at the City ground was in 1984.
The victory also pushes Liverpool into a tie for 4th on the EPL table. They are tied with rivals Manchester United and Chelsea with 45 points, but behind both on goal difference. Evenso, after the result today, it is fair to say the Reds are in the thick of the Champions League qualification race.
Have Your Say!
What an unbelievable end to a frustrating afternoon at the City Ground! We want to hear from you in the comments below:
- With Mo Salah's long-term future still uncertain, is 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha already proving he is the natural heir to the right wing?
- Liverpool are now tied on points with Chelsea and Man United in the top-four race. Who misses out on Champions League football next season?
- Is Alexis Mac Allister the most clutch player of the Arne Slot era?
