Darwin Nunez struck deep into injury-time to rescue Liverpool three points in a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
The Reds went into the match well aware that only a win would help guide them in the right direction at the top of the Premier League table.
They were left frustrated by a resilient Forest side who will feel they should have scored on a number of occasions.
But Nunez, on his return from injury, nodded the ball home with a matter of seconds remaining to earn Liverpool’s injury-ridden side all three points.
Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele gives his verdict on Liverpool players in his match ratings from the City Ground.
Liverpool continued their hunt for the Premier League title with a win over Nottingham Forest
Darwin Nunez came off the bench and nodded the ball home with just seconds remaining
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7
Bailed his team out several times at Wembley last Sunday in the Carabao Cup final and made an equally-big save to deny Anthony Elanga in the first half here – though it might have been offside if VAR had a look. Got down well to deny Callum Hudson-Odoi late on.
Conor Bradley – 6
Offers such energy and verve down Liverpool’s right-hand side. The Northern Irishman played several decent crosses and cutbacks in the first half but his team-mates did not get on the end of them.
Ibrahima Konate – 7.5
Enjoyed his battle with former Liverpool striker Divock Origi in the first half. Vital moment in the second half when he outsprinted Taiwo Awoniyi to a loose ball. Commanding performance from the Frenchman.
Virgil van Dijk showed great leadership and good passing from the back against Forest
Ibrahima Konate enjoyed his battle with former Liverpool striker Divock Origi in the first half
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Calming display, including a cool header back to Kelleher in the first half. As game ticked on the captain showed great leadership and good passing from the back as Liverpool went in search of a goal.
Andy Robertson – 7 (BOOKED)
Had a decent game down Liverpool’s left and put in some good crosses. Bad tackle on former Liverpool man Neco Williams was his last contribution before being subbed off.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6.5
Always available for the ball and ever-improving in a defensive sense with little tackles to break up play.
Joe Gomez played in three different positions – No 6, right back and left back
Joe Gomez – 7
Played in three different positions – No 6, right back and left back. Won’t be top of the list at awards season but he should be celebrated just as highly as any Liverpool player this season.
Bobby Clark – 7
Got into some good areas in the first half but lacked the final ball to his team-mates. A proud week regardless for Clark.
Harvey Elliott – 6.5
Never stops running, be it across 120 minutes at Wembley last week, the midweek game against Southampton or here. Lacked his usual quality but played his part regardless.
Cody Gakpo – 5
Frustrating afternoon for the Dutchman who couldn’t impact attacks as much as he would have liked. Van Dijk was readying himself for a volley in the first half but Gakpo got in the way of his compatriot.
Luis Diaz – 7
Had Liverpool’s first chance of the game after 17 minutes but his shot wasn’t clinical enough. That was the theme of the afternoon for the Colombian, who was the away side’s most threatening player but lacked the end product.
Cody Gakpo endured a Frustrating afternoon as couldn’t impact attacks as much as he would have liked
Substitutes
Darwin Nunez (for Robertson 60) – 6
Wataru Endo (for Clark 60) – 6
Dominik Szoboszlai (for Elliott 76) – 6
Kostas Tsimikas (for Bradley 84)
Jayden Danns (for Gakpo 84)
Not used: Adrian, James McConnell, Lewis Koumas, Jarell Quansah.
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