Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Result

Premier League · England

Nottingham Forest

0 - 1

Full Time

Liverpool

📍 City Ground, Nottingham

🗓️ Sunday, 22 Feb 2026 at 14:00

🔥 AI Prediction Report

CERTIFIED W

Predicted

1 - 2

⚡

Actual

0 - 1

✅Result

✅BTTS

✅O/U 2.5

❌Score

💰 Bet Results0/2 hit

over_under_2_5 — over@ 3.55

-£100❌

btts — yes@ 3.9

-£100❌

Estimated ROI (£100/bet)

Staked: £200 · Returns: £0

£-200

-100% ROI

Ekitiké Strikes Late as Liverpool Edge Forest in Dramatic Finish

Liverpool snatched all three points at the City Ground with a dramatic 90th-minute winner from Hugo Ekitiké, breaking Nottingham Forest hearts after a tense and closely fought contest. Despite Forest's energetic approach and a flurry of attacking intent, the hosts failed to convert their 18 shots into a goal, managing just two on target. Liverpool, meanwhile, were more clinical, registering four shots on target from ten attempts and ultimately capitalizing on a late opportunity to seal the win. The match was a tactical chess match for much of the afternoon, with both sides deploying 4-2-3-1 formations and looking to control the midfield. Forest's pressing and width caused Liverpool problems, but the visitors' resilience and experience shone through in the dying moments. The result keeps Liverpool's momentum going in the Premier League title race, while Forest are left to rue missed chances and a lack of cutting edge in the final third.

Nottingham Forest

6.5/10

Nottingham Forest put in a spirited display, matching Liverpool for long stretches and even outshooting the visitors with 18 attempts. Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi provided creativity and drive from midfield, but Forest's finishing let them down, with only two shots testing Alisson. The hosts also earned seven corners, reflecting their attacking intent, but ultimately lacked the composure in front of goal to make their dominance count. Defensively, Forest were largely solid, with Nikola Milenković and Murillo marshalling the back line effectively until the late lapse that allowed Ekitiké to pounce. The two yellow cards, a result of their aggressive pressing, highlighted their commitment but also their occasional lack of discipline.

Key Players

Morgan Gibbs-White: Drove the midfield with energy and creativity, key in attacking build-up.

Nikola Milenković: Strong defensive presence, kept Liverpool at bay for most of the match.

Strengths

High pressingAttacking intentMidfield energyDefensive organization for most of the match

Weaknesses

Poor finishingLack of composure in front of goalLate defensive lapseDiscipline (2 yellow cards)

Liverpool

7.5/10

Liverpool weathered early Forest pressure and gradually asserted control, enjoying 53% possession and making their superior quality count when it mattered most. While they managed only ten shots, their four on target showcased a more clinical edge, and their patience was rewarded with Ekitiké's dramatic late winner. The midfield pairing of Gravenberch and Mac Allister provided stability, while Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo threatened on the break. Defensively, Liverpool were disciplined and limited Forest to just two shots on target, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté commanding at the back. The Reds' ability to stay composed under pressure and pounce on a late chance underlined their title credentials.

Key Players

Hugo Ekitiké: Scored the decisive 90th-minute winner, showing composure and predatory instincts.

Virgil van Dijk: Led the defence with authority, kept Forest's attack largely contained.

Strengths

Clinical finishingDefensive disciplineMidfield controlComposure under pressure

Weaknesses

Slow startLimited attacking threat for much of the matchFew corners won (2)

Key Moments

13' — Yellow card

Nottingham Forest pick up their first yellow card, setting the tone for their aggressive pressing.

38' — Yellow card

Forest receive a second yellow, highlighting their combative approach in midfield.

90' — Goal

Hugo Ekitiké scores for Liverpool, finishing off a late move to seal victory.

Tactical Analysis

Both teams lined up in a 4-2-3-1, leading to a congested midfield battle. Forest pressed high and looked to exploit the flanks through Hudson-Odoi and Williams, while Liverpool were content to control possession and probe patiently. The Reds' midfield duo of Gravenberch and Mac Allister provided a solid base, allowing their attacking trio to find pockets of space between the lines. Set pieces were a key avenue for Forest, as evidenced by their seven corners, but Liverpool's defensive organization nullified these threats. The late stages saw Liverpool push forward with greater urgency, and a tactical tweak to get more bodies in the box paid dividends with Ekitiké's late strike.

Turning Point

Hugo Ekitiké's 90th-minute goal, capitalizing on a rare lapse in the Forest defence, decided the contest.

Man of the Match

Hugo Ekitiké

Came up with the decisive moment, showing composure to net the winner in stoppage time.