Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show Late joy by the Trent but questions remain
Feb 23, 2026
James Pearce, experienced Liverpool correspondent, offers match reporting and club updates. Simon Hughes, tactical analyst, breaks down team shape and decisions. They dissect VAR controversy and a stoppage-time Mac Allister winner. They discuss Florian Wirtz’s late withdrawal and Rio Ngumoh’s spark off the bench. The conversation flags Mohamed Salah’s form, his reaction to substitution, and positional dynamics with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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McAllister's Confidence Could Be Reset By Late Goal
- Alexis Mac Allister's two-goal moment highlighted his confidence issues after a long dry spell, and the late winner may boost his form.
- James Pearce noted McAllister hadn't scored in the Premier League since last April and looked relieved after converting his chance.
First Half Showed Repeated Frailties
- Liverpool's first half was lethargic with high error rates and almost no final-third threat.
- Simon Hughes pointed out Forest had 12 first-half shots — the most against Liverpool since 2015 — showing how one-sided the opening 45 minutes was.
Impact Substitute Provided Missing Pace And Threat
- Ryan Gravenberch (referred to as Ryu Ngumoha/Ngamoha) as an impact sub injects pace and directness Liverpool lacked.
- James Pearce and Simon Hughes both praised his 77th-minute introduction for creating the winning cross and driving at tired defenders.