Darwin Nunez wins it in the last seconds to give Liverpool the win over Forest – five things to consider

Liverpool 1, Nottingham Forest 0: At the City Ground, Darwin Nunez’s stopped-time goal gave Liverpool a decisive three points in the title contest.

In the ninth minute of injury time, Darwin Nunez scored a thrilling goal to give Liverpool a decisive victory over Nottingham Forest.

As Forest raged about the length of added time given and referee Paul Tierney’s decision to halt a Forest assault because Ibrahima Konate had suffered a head injury, the Uruguayan came off the bench to score a header from an assist from Alexis Mac Allister. Play was restarted by Tierney, who gave Liverpool an unopposed drop ball to launch an attack, which resulted in a goal shortly after.

While there wasn’t much amusement in the first half, Caoimhin Kelleher made a great stop against Anthony Elanga after a quick burst by Forest, and Bobby Clark, making his first Premier League start, and Luis Diaz both missed close range shots.

A completely fragmented Reds team saw Cody Gakpo and Nunez of Liverpool strike into the side netting in the second half, while Elanga missed another excellent opportunity for the hosts in the first half.

1. Caoimhin Kelleher makes a major comeback

If Elanga had scored midway through the first half, there’s a fair chance he would have been called offside, but Kelleher was unaware of that.

The former Manchester United winger’s effort wasn’t the best and went a little too near to Kelleher, but the Irish custodian held tall to make an excellent stop.

With Alisson’s injury, the 25-year-old is expected to play a major role in Liverpool’s campaign and appears to be developing every week.

2. The City Ground is a place of uncertainty

It’s worth mentioning that the Trent’s initial conversations weren’t very tumultuous.

Given the rivalry between the two clubs from the 1970s and 1980s, this is, after all, something of a historical derby, and for a number of non-sporting reasons, there is still no love lost between the two groups of fans.

Although Nottingham Forest is still facing the threat of losing points, they are not alone. The City Ground was oddly quiet in the first half of the match, giving a reconstructed Liverpool team a much-needed advantage. However, after Nunez’s winner, which caused riotous scenes as Forest owner Evangelos Marinakas stormed onto the pitch, the ground came alive.

3. A show of faith in Bobby Clark

Although the first half wasn’t particularly memorable, a lot of Liverpool’s attempts involved the young midfielder Clark, who was starting in his debut Premier League game following an incredibly successful week.

Clark was bright and full of energy, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he became a regular in Jurgen Klopp’s first team for the rest of the season—even when more of the big players returned. Meanwhile, players like Gakpo and Harvey Elliott appeared a little worn out from their recent efforts.

4. Forest Striking Issues

Due to his penchant for scoring huge goals, Liverpool supporters would have been uneasy to see Divock Origi in the attacking role for the hosts, but in the end, the hosts’ attack lacked creativity.

Elanga had two of their best opportunities, one in each half, but both times, he and Forest were let down by a lack of composure in front of goal. Of course, they have more games to win at home than Liverpool does, but they will still need to contend with that in their relegation struggle.

5. Nunez makes a spectacular comeback.

How significant could Nunez’s goal be for Liverpool in the championship match? That is still to be determined, but the happiness it inspired is telling enough on its own.

Now that they are ahead of the standings, Liverpool will undoubtedly start the match against Manchester City next weekend and will be the clear favourites to win the championship.

They might remember this day and this objective for decades to come.