Carragher Lauds Liverpool Teenager's Impact in Narrow Victory
Football pundit Jamie Carragher has highlighted the pivotal role played by young substitute Rio Ngumoha in Liverpool's hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest. The reigning Premier League champions secured a crucial three points thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Alexis Mac Allister, but it was the 17-year-old's introduction that Carragher believes transformed the match.
Nervy Encounter at the City Ground
Liverpool struggled throughout much of the contest against a Forest side positioned just two points above the relegation zone. The visitors created limited opportunities and appeared destined to drop valuable points until the dramatic finale. Mac Allister thought he had broken the deadlock earlier in stoppage time, only for his effort to be disallowed for handball following a VAR review.
Moments later, the Argentine midfielder redeemed himself by firing home the decisive goal, sparking wild celebrations among the traveling supporters. Referee Anthony Taylor confirmed the goal after another lengthy VAR check for potential offside, much to the relief of Liverpool manager Arne Slot on the sidelines.
Ngumoha's Game-Changing Cameo
The match's turning point arrived in the 77th minute when Ngumoha replaced Mohamed Salah. The teenager immediately injected pace and energy into Liverpool's attack, troubling Forest's fatigued defenders with his direct running and creativity.
"There was a player who came on for Liverpool: Rio Ngumoha, who came on in the 77th minute," Carragher remarked during Sky Sports' commentary. "He did more in 15 minutes than Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah had done up until that point. He absolutely changed the game, this kid, and he needs more of an opportunity. He needs to start starting games."
Slot's Assessment and League Implications
The victory marked Liverpool's third consecutive win across all competitions, moving them level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United, though both rivals hold a game in hand. Manager Arne Slot acknowledged his team's struggles, particularly during a disappointing first-half display.
"It was fine margins. We really struggled in the first half," Slot admitted. "We were the lucky ones scoring in extra time. I have to see it back to judge if it's the right decision. The offside or onside is factual."
Slot expressed surprise at Forest's lowly league position given their resilient performance, noting: "I am surprised by the league position they are in. We did not give away many big chances but we gave the ball away every time."
Mac Allister's Mixed Emotions
Despite scoring the winning goal, Mac Allister confessed to having conflicting feelings after the final whistle. "I've got mixed feelings to be honest. I love scoring, I love winning, so in that sense, I think it's a really good day," the Argentine international told Sky Sports. "But then, on the other hand, I don't think we played very well so there's plenty of things that we need to improve."
Regarding his disallowed goal, Mac Allister added: "It did hit my elbow but I feel it was a bit harsh because it has hit my back as well so it's a bit of both. I understand the rules, I just think that in football that's very harsh. But it was a fair decision."
Carragher's Broader Analysis
While praising Ngumoha's impact, Carragher identified ongoing concerns about Liverpool's physical capabilities. "Mac Allister gets the winner, it was a little bit unfortunate that he didn't get the winner a few minutes earlier. But he was another player who really struggled in this game and Liverpool do struggle physically," the former defender observed.
"That problem is for the summer in terms of what they do recruitment-wise and the makeup of this team. They couldn't cope for long periods of this game but, as I said, I don't think there's anyone better in Premier League history at getting last-minute winners and that is Liverpool."
The performance highlighted both Liverpool's resilience and their reliance on individual moments of quality, with Ngumoha's emergence providing a bright spark in an otherwise challenging encounter.
