Liverpool's late show floors Nottingham Forest

Alexis Mac Allister's 97th-minute goal rescued Liverpool from a lacklustre performance to beat struggling Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Sunday in a huge boost to their chances of Champions League football next season.

Forest's fourth manager of the season, Vitor Pereira, was taking charge for the first time in the league and his side looked set to earn a deserved point until a dramatic finale.

Mac Allister had a goal ruled out when he charged down Ola Aina's clearance in the closing stages.

The ball was deemed to have struck the Argentine midfielder on the arm.

However, to Pereira's fury, Forest did not heed the warning as they sliped to within two points of the Premier League relegation zone.

Mac Allister swept home a rebound after Virgil van Dijk's header was saved.

After another lengthy VAR review, this time the call went in Liverpool's favour despite Hugo Ekitike standing in an offside position.

Liverpool remain in sixth but climb level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United and within six points of Aston Villa.

Thanks to the strong performance of English sides in European competition this season, a place in the top five will almost certainly secure Champions League qualification.

Liverpool were dealt a blow before kick-off when Florian Wirtz picked up an injury in the warm-up.

The German's ingenuity was badly missed in a performance badly lacking in attacking impetus until a late rally saved their blushes.