Elliot Anderson’s midfield magic was in full flow as Nottingham Forest were just two points above the Premier League relegation zone

Despite Elliot Anderson’s midfield magic, Nottingham Forest failed to take any points from the game as Alexis MacAllister’s winner gave Liverpool a big win in their top four hopes.

The defeat in the Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool match made Tricky Trees closer to the Premier League relegation zone, with the Reds only two points above the relegation zone.

Vitor Pereira may have failed to get the most out of his first Premier League game with Forest, but the Portuguese manager will see many positives from the chances his team created throughout the 90 minutes.

Elliot Anderson’s midfield miracle: Forest lose late on as MacAllister pounces to give Liverpool a win

The first chance of the Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool match fell to the hosts as Ibrahim Sangare’s fantastic defensive ability helped him win the ball and send the ball into the path of Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The winger failed to score, but Alisson quickly came out to save his effort and then saw the ball bounce off Forest’s number seven and out for a goal kick.

Forest continued to knock on the door when Elliot Anderson was next to fire a shot towards goal, but his effort went wide of Alisson’s right post.

Liverpool’s first chance came from a free kick; However, anything other than Dominik Szoboszlai’s shot would have ended in a missed opportunity, as their alternative variation saw Hugo Ekitike’s header sail over the bar.

Vitor Pereira’s side continued their sustained dominance in the first half as Elliot Anderson’s midfield magic saw him win the battle in midfield, and he was able to push Forest further forward.

However, when it came to the final product, Forest’s efforts failed to test Alisson as he failed to hit the target.

Forest’s attackers continued to try to force the ball into the net to open the scoring, but they were unable to do so in the first half as the deadlock failed to be broken.

The hosts continued to attack early in the second half when a cross from Hudson-Odoi was headed by Nikola Milenkovic, but the defender’s effort went wide of the target.

After the 50th minute, Liverpool finally found their rhythm and flow as they were able to string together some neat passes, but when the opportunity arose, Forest were able to quickly close it down by throwing their bodies towards the goal line.

A battle in midfield ensued for the next 20 minutes as the tackles came and a lot of men were on the line.

When Forest once again attacked through Murillo, the ball was diverted into the path of substitute Dilane Bakwa, but she was another player who failed to trouble Alisson with her shot.

With five minutes remaining, the uncertainty of who would win the game continued at the City Ground as Forest looked to snatch victory in front of their home fans.

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

However, Liverpool thought they were the ones who won it most in the final minutes Coincidentally, Rio Ngumoha’s cross was headed towards goal by Ekitike, but his effort was saved by Stefan Ortega.

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

However, after a VAR check, the goal was disallowed because the ball hit the Argentine player’s elbow.

As stoppage time approached, MacAllister managed to get his goal when Szoboszlai’s free kick was headed towards goal by Virgil van Dijk, whose shot was saved, but it was the Argentinian midfielder who managed to score to win all three points for the Reds.

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Elliot Anderson’s Midfield Miracle: Forest’s Number Eight Continues to Shine in Relegated Reds’ Side

With Forest’s Premier League relegation zone confined, Elliot Anderson’s midfield prodigy is one thing keeping the City Ground positive about the future.

The central midfielder has formed a vital partnership with Ibrahim Sangare as the pair continue to work tirelessly to keep the Reds afloat in the fight for Premier League survival.

Compared to last season, Anderson’s midfield magic is based more on working hard to recover the ball than providing goals and assists.

In the 2024/25 Premier League season, the 23-year-old managed two goals and six assists as Forest were fluid in attack, battling at the top of the table and using their talent to the fullest.

Since then, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has sacked Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche.

Vitor Pereira is now the next manager tasked with ensuring Forest avoid Premier League relegation.

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

The key for the Portuguese coach will be keeping the pair of Anderson and Sangare fit, as Forest’s midfield failed to attack in matches when they were not on the pitch together, and that was evident when Anderson was substituted in the 77th minute of the match against Liverpool.

Elliot Anderson’s Midfield Miracle: Top Premier League Clubs Get Together in Summer

In recent days, it has been reported that Manchester United want to raid Nottingham Forest in the summer for Elliot Anderson’s signature.

The Red Devils, who are currently under the temporary management of Michael Carrick, have indeed made progress since Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, but it is not yet known which direction Manchester United officials will take when appointing their next permanent manager.

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

Just over a year after his transfer from his boyhood club, Anderson made his England debut in September 2025 against Andorra and showed why he should be one of the first players to jet off to the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.

Of course Manchester United is not the only team in the summer transfer window looking to sign the 23 year old player.

Elliot Anderson’s midfield magic was visible from the start, especially when he was loaned to Bristol Rovers in the second half of the 2021/22 season.

The 23-year-old is a vital cog in the Forest squad, as he has logged the fourth most minutes played, behind only Milenkovic, captain Gibbs-White and full-back Williams.

Elliot Anderson’s midfield prowess puts him at the top of the rankings, as the midfielder is the only player in Forest’s squad to be ranked higher than seventh this season.

It will be a tough task for the Reds to retain their best midfield asset, but if they want to do so, they must immediately ensure their safety in the Premier League.

Main Photo

Credit: IMAGO/Propaganda Photo

Recording Date: 22.02.2026