Mac Allister’s Redemption at The City Ground: Disallowed Goal and Dramatic Winner in the 96th Minute

Pure chaos erupted at the City Ground as Matchday 27 of the Premier League delivered a finale that will be talked about for weeks. In a grueling battle between Vitor Pereira’s Nottingham Forest and Arne Slot’s Liverpool, the match transformed from a tactical stalemate into a VAR-fueled rollercoaster that fundamentally shifts the race for Europe.

For a season marked by inconsistency, this result wasn't just a victory for Liverpool—it was a lifeline.

The match reached its boiling point exactly at the 90-minute mark. A desperate Liverpool cross fell into the box, where Forest defender Ola Aina attempted a frantic clearance. Alexis Mac Allister intercepted the ball and buried it into the net, seemingly securing a last-gasp winner.

However, the celebrations were cut short. Referee Anthony Taylor was summoned to the VAR monitor to review a potential handball by the Argentine midfielder. Despite Mac Allister’s protests—arguing his back was turned and his arm was tucked—Taylor ruled that the ball had made illegal contact. The goal was wiped off the board, leaving the traveling "Red" army in a state of disbelief and fury.

Incredibly, the drama was only beginning. Just six minutes after having his glory stripped away, Mac Allister found himself at the center of the storm once more.

In the 96th minute, a pinpoint cross from the right flank found the towering Virgil van Dijk. The captain’s powerful header was parried by the Forest goalkeeper, but the rebound fell perfectly into the path of Mac Allister. This time, there was no doubt. The Argentine clinical finish sent the away end into total euphoria.

The tension didn't subside immediately, as VAR checked for a potential offside against Van Dijk during the buildup. After a breathless wait, the goal was confirmed. Slot’s men had done it.

This victory is worth far more than just three points. With this result, Liverpool climbs to 45 points, pulling level with Chelsea and Manchester United (who face Everton tomorrow). After a season plagued by defensive lapses and injury crises, the Reds are now firmly back in the hunt for a Champions League qualification spot.

The psychological boost of snatching victory from the jaws of a VAR controversy cannot be overstated. For Arne Slot, it proves that his side has the "mentality monster" DNA required to survive the Premier League's most hostile environments.

Liverpool will have nearly a week to recover from this emotional exhaustion before returning to action on Saturday, February 28. They will host West Ham at Anfield Road, where the mandate remains the same: secure three points and solidify their place in the group vying for direct entry into the elite of European football.