Mac Allister pounces as Reds grab victory

Slot's men far from slick but keep top-four hopes alive

- By PAUL GORST

THROUGHOUT this turbulent campaign, Arne Slot has often argued Liverpool haven't always got what they have deserved. He might want to add this to the list.

Across the balance of play, they were fortunate to emerge from the City Ground with just their second league win there in 42 years.

But the nature of this 1-0 victory, their second successive triumph on the road, may inject further belief they can end this season with a Champions League place.

Having been denied by a handball call from VAR in the closing stages, Alexis Mac Allister would not be denied a second time, pouncing on a loose ball to plunder home and give the Reds a huge three points.

It wasn't pretty and it was far from flowing, but Slot's players dug deep to keep Forest at bay.

And their desire to keep going allowed them to pilfer a winning goal.

How refreshing it must feel for Slot to be on the right side of some late drama for a change.

Too many Liverpool games have hung in the balance this season, and eight points shelled from goals conceded in stoppage time - six in total - is what has left them in the mess they find themselves in.