Darwin Nunez gave Premier League leaders Liverpool a 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest in stoppage time to cap off his comeback to action. In the ninth minute of extra time, the Uruguayan striker scored to put Jurgen Klopp’s side—which has been plagued by injuries—four points ahead of the opposition. The Merseysiders looked like they had fallen behind after three games in seven days, but Nunez’s injury-time winner gave them their first league victory at the City Ground in nearly 40 years and 14 games. Forest, who have now won only one of their previous seven league games, had terrible luck. In the fifteenth minute, Divock Origi’s first attempt on goal of the match had Forest supporters on the edge of their seats.
Before Forest might have grabbed the lead, Liverpool responded quickly, deflecting the returning Luis Diaz’s angled drive for a corner.
Anthony Elanga found himself in a clear one-on-one with Kelleher after Origi’s accurate delivery, but Kelleher made a fantastic stop with his legs to deny the Sweden striker.
Then, as the fast-paced first half ebbed and flowed, Forest defender Murillo stopped Diaz in front of goal.
Recalled Forest goalie Mats Selz held Liverpool at bay early in the second half, making rapid saves against Andy Robertson—who was playing again after an illness—and Alexis Mac Allister.
Liverpool increased their pressure, but they were having trouble creating opportunities. Klopp then brought on Nunez and Wataru Endo for their first appearances in four games.
Nuno sprang into action, blasting into the sidenetting, but it was Elanga’s first-time effort from Harry Toffolo’s cross that gave Forest the best chance to break the deadlock.
The visitors pushed for a winner as Jayden Danns, a teenage player from Liverpool, made his Premier League debut as a late substitution for Cody Gakpo.
Nunez’s shot on the edge of the box was expertly blocked by Forest captain Ryan Yates, but after Morgan Gibbs-attempt White’s was saved at the other end, Forest was penalized for failing to clear a corner.
Nunez slipped past Forest’s defenders as Mac Allister whipped over a cross from the right, giving Liverpool a sixth consecutive victory across all competitions.
(Livescore)
