‘Worst we’ve played’ – Arne Slot on Liverpool narrow win vs Forest

Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted his side “got more than we deserved” after a late 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, branding the first half as their poorest display of the season.

A dramatic 97th-minute goal from Alexis Mac Allister secured the points, but Slot was clear that the performance fell short of his standards.

Liverpool failed to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes and managed just three touches inside Forest’s box before the break.

“The first half was really poor, the worst we’ve played until now, I think,” Slot said. “But the second half was much better, we controlled the game much more.

“The performance was, especially in the first half, not as good as we’ve had so many times this season. But we’ve been on the wrong side of the score after a good performance far too many times and today, I think we got more than we deserved. A draw would have been a fairer result than for us to win it.”

Half-time warning

Slot revealed he delivered a blunt assessment at the interval.

“[I told them at half-time] that it was the worst first half that we’ve played. But we defended our box really well, and that was the reason that we were still nil-nil,” he said.

“As much as Forest were the better team and were forcing us to go back, we defended really well in our box, in my opinion.”

He added that improvements on the ball were essential. “If we could bring that mentality to the whole pitch, combined with doing a few things better on the ball and maybe not lose every ball you touch, because that was almost what happened, then you know that these players can do better.”

Late drama and relief

Mac Allister had an earlier effort ruled out for handball after a VAR review, but he made no mistake deep into stoppage time to claim his first league goal of the season.

“Mixed feelings to be honest,” he told Sky Sports. “I love scoring, I love winning. But I don’t think we played very well.”

On the disallowed goal, he added: “It did [hit my elbow], but I feel like it’s a bit harsh… I thought I would get another one.”

Slot also confirmed Florian Wirtz was withdrawn before kick-off with back pain but is expected to return next week.