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

Liverpool maintained their momentum in the Premier League title race on Saturday with a 1-0 win at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest thanks to late heroics from Darwin Núñez.

Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi produced one of the first shots of the match with a left-footed strike from distance that whistled past the post, before Luis Díaz went close with a deflected shot past the post.

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A big save from Caoimhin Kelleher to deny Anthony Elanga keeping the score going midway through the first half, although replays showed he might have been slightly offside. Murillo's excellent defense denied Diaz moments later at close range.

Andy Robertson had a brilliant chance in the second half after finding space at the far post from Conor Bradley's pass as Liverpool looked improved, but there was still space for the hosts to exploit as Elanga launched a first strike in front of the post in the 65th minute.

Liverpool's substitutions included the injury returns of Núñez and Dominik Szoboszlai, and it was the former who scored potentially the most important goal of the season in the final minute of stoppage time to win it.

Good points

Liverpool increased their control over the match as it went on and adapted well to the situation. They also welcomed Núñez in the best possible way. The Uruguay international will be vital for the final months of the Premier League campaign.

Negative points

A poor first half saw few chances created, while Nottingham Forest were also allowed to get off to a fast start with a number of dangerous counter-attacks when the visitors lost the ball. They avoided dropping points in the title race but worrying signs have emerged ahead of next week's clash against Manchester City.

Manager's note

Jürgen Klopp, 7 years old — The boss adapted well to the opposition and saw his side begin to take control of the match. He was also smart in his team selection and substitutions, as Liverpool continued to face numerous injury problems.

Player Ratings (1-10; 10 = best)

GK Caoimhin Kelleher, 7 years old — The Republic of Ireland international was unsure whether Anthony Elanga was offside when he made a top save to keep the score level. The 25-year-old took confidence from this and looked composed between the posts as he continued his positive form in replacing Alisson.

DF Conor Bradley, 7 years old – There wasn't as much space as usual for Bradley, although he enjoyed moments of brilliance when partnering with Harvey Elliott. Impressed as he advanced further in the second half, giving his opposite full-back Robertson a big chance.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 years old — Assured in duels and almost connected with a corner in the first half, only for Dutch teammate Cody Gakpo to get in the way.

DF Ibrahima Konaté, 8 years old — Strong in his tackles and with a good reading of the game, in a performance in which the French international showed all his intelligence and defensive ability.

DF Andy Robertson, 7 years old – Robertson regularly stretched the play down the left flank and showed positive signs of link-up play with Díaz and Bobby Clark. Unlucky with a big scoring chance that was diverted for a corner, and he also produced some remarkable deliveries into the box.

Mr. F. Joe Gomez, 6 years old — Another game that served as a midfield anchor for Gomez, who kept things simple in his passing and took smart positions to help stop counterattacks. Allowed Alexis Mac Allister to move forward further, then moved to left-back when Wataru Endo and Núñez were introduced.

Mr. F. Bobby Clark, 6 years old — Often involved and showing signs of maturity in his decision-making. Not very far with his curled effort aimed at the top right corner.

MF Alexis Mac Allister, 8 years old — The Argentina international helped Liverpool take control of the match and was impressive when given time with his passing into advanced areas. The Liverpool star in midfield, who showed composure before setting up Núñez as the winner.

FW Harvey Elliott, 6 years old — Hard work kept him fighting well and he chose the right moments to take risks in the final third, but he didn't seem happy with his performance after being replaced by Szoboszlai.

FW Cody Gakpo, 5 years old — Gakpo got into promising positions when the ball was out, which allowed his full-backs to pose a question to the defense with deliveries, but his decision-making could have been better at times. He should have passed the ball back to Núñez on a shot from a narrow angle in the second half.

FW Luis Díaz, 6 — Liverpool had the best chance of the first half finding space after entering more central areas from the left, forcing an impressive block from Murillo. He continued to threaten with intricate link-up play with the Liverpool forwards, but failed to find the finishing touch.

Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)

Darwin Nuñez (Robertson, 60') 9 — Scored what could be Liverpool's most important goal of the season to win it late on, in an excellent all-round performance in the 40 or so minutes he was on the pitch.

Wataru Endo (Clark, 60') 6– Always in the right position and played progressively at the right times.

Dominik Szoboszlai (Elliott, 76') N/R — He smashed an effort towards goal before appealing for a handball that would have been harsh given the power of his effort.

Jayden Danns (Gakpo, 84') — After scoring a brace in midweek, he was immediately involved in a check for a penalty following Danilo's challenge on him. He was then booked for a big challenge on the goalkeeper.

Kostas Tsimikas (Bradley, 84') — There were only six minutes of regulation time left for Tsimikas to win from the bench. Put a dangerous ball into the box for Danns in stoppage time.