Nigerian international, Ola Aina, ended up on the losing side on Sunday as Liverpool F.C. snatched a dramatic 1–0 victory over Nottingham Forest F.C. in a thrilling Premier League encounter.

Aina featured for the entire 90 minutes in what proved to be Vítor Pereira’s first Premier League match in charge of Forest. The hosts produced a dominant first-half display but were left to rue missed opportunities.

The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Alexis Mac Allister struck in the 97th minute to seal all three points for the visitors. The Argentine midfielder pounced after Virgil van Dijk had made contact in a crowded box, smashing the ball into the net.

Mac Allister had earlier seen a 92nd-minute effort chalked off for handball following a VAR review. However, there was no controversy this time as the goal stood, handing Liverpool back-to-back victories following their win at Sunderland.

The result lifts Liverpool to sixth on the log with 45 points, while Forest remain 17th, just two points above the relegation zone and clear of West Ham in 18th position.

Speaking after the match, Mac Allister admitted the performance was far from perfect.

“Mixed feelings, to be honest. I love scoring and I love winning, but I don’t think we played very well. It’s always nice when you win,” he said.

On the earlier disallowed goal, he added: “It did hit my elbow, but I feel it was a bit harsh. I understand the rules though. I believed I would get another one, and I’m glad it went in.”

Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, described the encounter as one decided by fine margins.

“We really struggled in the first half. In the end, we were the lucky ones scoring in extra time,” Slot said.

“In the first half, the only part I liked was our defending in the box. We showed a different Liverpool in the second half. We tried to bring in fresh wingers, and that helped.”

Forest boss Pereira, however, lamented the result, insisting his side deserved more.

“That is football — not fair a lot of times. We played a fantastic first half and deserved to score, but we didn’t. In the end, we conceded,” he said.

“They have quality and spirit, but if we play like we did in the first half, we will get a lot of points.”

For Aina and Forest, attention now shifts to their next fixture as they continue their battle to avoid relegation.