Liverpool ratings: Núñez 9/10 for match-winning heroics at Forest

Liverpool maintained momentum within the Premier League title race on Saturday as they gained 1-0 at the City Ground towards Nottingham Forest because of Darwin Núñez’s late heroics.

Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi had one of many first efforts of the sport with a left-footed effort from vary that whistled previous the put up, earlier than Luis Díaz got here shut with an effort that was deflected previous the put up.

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A giant save from Caoimhin Kelleher to disclaim Anthony Elanga saved the rating stage halfway by way of the primary half, although replays confirmed it might need been marginally offside. Excellent defending from Murillo denied Diaz moments later from shut vary.

Andy Robertson had a glowing probability within the second half after discovering house at the again put up from Conor Bradley‘s move as Liverpool appeared improved, however there was nonetheless house left for the hosts to take advantage of as Elanga flashed a first-time strike previous the put up within the sixty fifth minute.

Liverpool’s substitutions included the returns from damage of Núñez and Dominik Szoboszlai, and it was the previous who scored doubtlessly crucial purpose of the season within the remaining minute of stoppage time to win it.

Positives

Liverpool elevated their management of the sport because it went on and tailored properly to the state of affairs. They additionally welcomed again Núñez in one of the simplest ways potential. The Uruguay worldwide shall be important for the ultimate months of the Premier League marketing campaign.

Negatives

A poor first half noticed little created by the use of probabilities, whereas Nottingham Forest had been additionally allowed to begin shortly with quite a few harmful counter-attacks when the guests misplaced the ball. They averted dropping factors within the title race, however there have been worrying indicators forward of subsequent week’s conflict towards Manchester City.

Manager ranking

Jürgen Klopp, 7 — The boss tailored properly to the opposition and noticed his workforce start to take management of the sport. He was additionally clever along with his workforce choice and substitutions, as Liverpool continued to take care of an array of damage issues.

Player scores (1-10; 10 = finest)

GK Caoimhin Kelleher, 7 — The Republic of Ireland worldwide did not know whether or not Anthony Elanga was offside when producing a top-tier save to maintain the rating stage. The 25-year-old took confidence from that, and appeared calm between the posts as he continued a constructive run of kind deputising for Alisson.

DF Conor Bradley, 7 — There wasn’t as a lot house as standard for Bradley to utilise, although he did get pleasure from some vibrant moments when linking up with Harvey Elliott. Impressed when getting additional ahead within the second half, organising his reverse full-back Robertson with an enormous probability.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 — Assured when difficult for duels and nearly linked with a nook within the first half, solely for his Netherlands teammate Cody Gakpo to get in the best way.

DF Ibrahima Konaté, 8 — Strong in his tackles and skim the sport properly, the France worldwide confirmed all of his intelligence and defensive skill.

DF Andy Robertson, 7 — Robertson often stretched play down the left flank and confirmed constructive indicators of link-up play with Díaz and Bobby Clark. Unlucky with an enormous probability to attain that was diverted for a nook, and he additionally put in some standout deliveries into the field.

MF Joe Gomez, 6 — Another recreation offering the anchor in midfield for Gomez, who saved issues easy along with his passing and took up clever positions to assist cease counter-attacks. Allowed Alexis Mac Allister to advance additional ahead, after which switched to left-back when Wataru Endo and Núñez had been launched.

MF Bobby Clark, 6 — Often concerned and confirmed indicators of maturity along with his decision-making. Not too far off along with his curling effort that was meant for the highest proper nook.

MF Alexis Mac Allister, 8 — The Argentina worldwide helped Liverpool take management of the sport and was spectacular when given time along with his passing into superior areas. Liverpool’s standout star in midfield, who confirmed composure earlier than selecting out Núñez for the winner.

FW Harvey Elliott, 6 — Tireless work noticed him battle properly, and he selected the appropriate moments to take dangers within the remaining third, however he did not appear completely happy along with his efficiency after being changed by Szoboszlai.

FW Cody Gakpo, 5 — Gakpo obtained himself into promising positions when the ball was out extensive which allowed his full-backs to ask a query of the defence with deliveries, however his decision-making might have been higher at instances. Should have performed the ball again into Núñez when capturing from a slim angle within the second half.

FW Luis Díaz, 6 — Had Liverpool’s finest probability of the primary half when discovering house after coming into extra central areas from the left, forcing a formidable block from Murillo. Continued to threaten with intricate link-up play with Liverpool’s forwards, however could not discover the crowning glory.

Substitutes (gamers launched after 70 minutes get no ranking)

Darwin Núñez (Robertson, 60′) 9 — Scored what is likely to be crucial purpose of the season for Liverpool to win it late, in a superb general efficiency within the 40 minutes or so he was on the pitch.

Wataru Endo (Clark, 60′) 6 — Always in the appropriate place and performed progressively in the appropriate moments.

Dominik Szoboszlai (Elliott, 76′) — Smashed an effort in the direction of purpose earlier than appeals for a handball that will have been harsh given the facility of his effort.

Jayden Danns (Gakpo, 84′) — On after scoring a brace in midweek, and was immediately concerned with a verify for a penalty from Danilo‘s problem on him. He was then booked for a heavy problem on the goalkeeper.

Kostas Tsimikas (Bradley, 84′) — Just six minutes of regular time remained for Tsimikas to make an influence from the bench. Put in a harmful ball into the field for Danns throughout stoppage time.