Liverpool was once again able to grind out another result this weekend, as Jürgen Klopp’s side secured all three points against Nottingham Forest.. Darwin Núñez scored the only goal of the afternoon off the bench, as he made his return after missing the last three games through injury.
The Reds left it until the 99th minute of the game to break the deadlock, after Caoimhín Kelleher kept his side in the clash with several key saves to deny the likes of Divock Origi and Anthony Elanga. Liverpool also had chances to take the lead throughout the game, with Luis Díaz coming closest in the first half.
There was some controversy over the winner though due to a decision made by referee Paul Tierney in the build-up to the goal. Kelleher had collided with his own defender Ibrahima Konaté while Forest had the ball before the game was brought to a halt. Upon the restart, a wave of confusion swept the stadium as possession was handed to Liverpool, despite Forest having the ball before the stoppage.
Klopp’s side went on to score two minutes later with Forest players and coaching staff remonstrating with the officials at the final whistle, before the home side’s owner even made his way down to the pitch to join in the protests. Despite the drama, it is a huge three points for the Reds in its quest for the title and here are the big Liverpool.com stories you don’t want to miss.
Liverpool injuries and return dates including Salah
Liverpool has been ravaged by injuries throughout the entire 2023/24 campaign so far, with several first-team stars gradually returning to the first-team picture. The win against Nottingham Forest saw both Darwin Núñez and Dominik Szoboszlai return to the matchday squad, with the former scoring the winner in the clash. There was also a return to action for Wataru Endō after he missed the midweek win over Southampton.
Elsewhere, the likes of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson Becker were all still absent, as well as several others, as Jürgen Klopp now prepares his side to face Sparta Prague in the Europa League. In the build-up to this clash, Liverpool.com has taken a look at all the possible return dates across the injury list, including Ryan Gravenberch, Diogo Jota and the previously noted players, here.
Liverpool controversy explained after Núñez goal
Liverpool’s winner against Nottingham Forest has been deemed a controversial one after Jürgen Klopp’s side was granted possession by referee Paul Tierney following a stoppage for a head injury, despite not having the ball when play was initially stopped. The Reds would go on to net the winner following the decision, which was slammed by Forest.
Despite Liverpool unsurprisingly not complaining about the decision and outcome, Forest fans and players have a point. According to IFAB rules, Forest should have received the drop ball as they were the team in possession at the time of the stoppage. As per rule 8.2, a drop ball is solely awarded to the defending team’s goalie if the ball or its last touch was within the penalty area when play was halted. In this instance, the defending keeper was Caoimhín Kelleher, who was involved in the collision with Ibrahima Konaté. Read more on that incident here
