Nottingham Forest failed to take any points from the game despite Elliot Anderson’s magic in midfield, with Alexis McAllister’s late winner giving Liverpool a resounding victory in their hopes of finishing in the top four.

Nottingham Forest’s game against Liverpool saw the Tricky Trees getting closer and closer to the Premier League relegation zone, while the Red Army was only two points above the relegation zone.

Vito Pereira may not have taken anything away from his first Premier League game for Forest, but the Portuguese boss will see plenty of positives from the chances his side created throughout the 90 minutes.

Elliot Anderson’s midfield magic: Forest win for Liverpool as McAllister’s swoop strikes but Forest fail late on

The hosts had their first chance against Nottingham Forest when Ibrahim Sangare’s defensive prowess saw him win the ball and pass it to Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The winger blocked the shot but Alisson was quick to step in and save his shot before seeing the ball bounce off Forest’s number seven and the goal kick go out of play.

Forest continued to knock and Elliot Anderson was the next to have a shot but his shot went wide of Alisson’s right post.

Liverpool’s first chance came from a free-kick; however, any shot other than Dominik Szoboszlai’s was ultimately deemed a missed opportunity as their other variation saw Hugo Ekitike’s header sail over the crossbar.

Vito Pereira’s side continued their dominance in the first half, with Elliot Anderson’s midfield magic winning the battle in midfield as he was able to push Forest further.

However, when it came to the final result, Forest’s efforts did not achieve the purpose of testing Alisson and ultimately failed to achieve the goal.

Forest’s forwards continued to battle hard to get the ball into the back of the net to score, but they failed to do so in the first half and the deadlock failed to be broken.

The home side continued to lead early in the second half when Hudson-Odoi’s cross found Nikola Milenkovic’s header, but the defender’s shot went wide.

After the 50th minute, Liverpool finally found their rhythm and rhythm, and they were able to make some good passes in a row, but as opportunities arose, Forest quickly blocked them on the goal line with their bodies.

Over the next 20 minutes, a midfield battle began, with tackles flying and bodies being placed on the defensive line.

When Forest got past Murillo again, the ball slipped into the path of substitute Dilane Bakwa, but he was another player who failed to trouble Alisson with his shot.

With five minutes remaining, uncertainty remained over who would win the game at the City Ground, with Forest looking to secure victory in front of their home fans.

Neco Williams’ cross found Morgan Gibbs-White, whose shot was blocked, while Ibrahim Sangare also pulled the trigger but failed to hit the target.

However, Liverpool felt they had secured victory late on. Ekitic’s header from Leo Ngumoha’s cross was saved by Stefan Ortega.

Ola Aina looked to clear the ball but the leaping Alexis MacAllister blocked the clearance and saw the ball hit the back of the net.

However, after a VAR check, the goal was disallowed as the ball hit the Argentinian’s elbow.

McAllister did score in stoppage time when Szoboszlai’s free-kick was headed in by Virgil van Dijk, whose shot was saved but the Argentine midfielder fired the ball into the goal to give the Reds all three points.

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Elliot Anderson’s midfield magic: Forest’s No.8 continues to shine as Reds battle to avoid relegation

With Forest sealed in the Premier League relegation zone, Elliot Anderson’s midfield magic is one thing that keeps City Stadium optimistic about the future.

The midfielder has formed a vital partnership with Ibrahim Sangare and the pair continue to work tirelessly to keep the Reds alive in their Premier League survival battle.

Compared to last season, Anderson’s midfield magic is based more on trying to win the ball back than on providing goals and assists.

In the 2024/25 Premier League season, the 23-year-old has scored 2 goals and 6 assists as Forest’s attacking flow moves them to the top of the table and makes the most of their talent.

Forest boss Evangelos Marinakis has since sacked Nuno Espirito Santo, Angie Postecoglou and Sean Dyche.

Vito Pereira is now the next manager and will be tasked with ensuring Forest avoid relegation from the Premier League.

However, with Elliot Anderson’s midfield magic on display every week, Forest’s midfield is safe, at least until the end of the season.

The key for the Portuguese coach will be to keep Anderson and Sangare working together as Forest’s midfield cannot charge forward in games when they are not on the pitch, as was evident when Anderson was substituted in the 77th minute against Liverpool.

Elliot Anderson’s midfield magic: Top Premier League clubs flock to sign in summer

Reports have emerged in recent days that Manchester United are hoping to raid Nottingham Forest in the summer to sign Elliot Anderson.

The Red Devils, currently under interim manager Michael Carrick, have undoubtedly made progress since Ruben Amorim was sacked, but it is unclear what direction United’s hierarchy will take when it comes to appointing their next permanent manager.

Since joining Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United for £35m in July 2024, the midfielder has become one of the Reds’ most important players alongside the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood.

Anderson made his England debut against Andorra in September 2025, just over a year after moving from his boyhood club, and showed why he should be one of the first players to board the plane for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Needless to say, United won’t be the only team looking to sign the 23-year-old in the summer transfer window.

Elliot Anderson’s midfield magic has been noticed from his early days, particularly during his loan spell at Bristol Rovers for the second half of the 2021/22 season.

The 23-year-old is a very important part of Forest’s squad, playing the fourth-most minutes behind Milenkovic, captain Gibbs-White and full-back Williams.

Elliot Anderson’s midfield magic has seen him top the form ratings, as the midfielder is Forest’s only player rated above 7 this season.

It will be a tough task for the Reds to keep hold of their top midfield asset, but if they are to do so they must secure Premier League safety as soon as possible.

Main photo

Credit: IMAGO/publicity photo

Record date: February 22, 2026