Steve McManaman hails 'excellent' Liverpool midfielder after Nottingham Forest win

It could prove to be a season-defining moment for Liverpool.

As the game entered its 99th minute between the Reds and Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon, it looked as if Liverpool would blink first in a tense, three-horse title race.

With the game goalless at the City Ground, Jurgen Klopp's men were set to drop two crucial points in their bid to be crowned Premier League champions.

But the Reds' never-say-die attitude was clear for all to see again at the weekend, Darwin Nunez rising highest to head home a vital winner for Liverpool in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

While the Uruguayan received plenty of plaudits for his clutch effort for the Reds, Alexis Mac Allister was the man who provided the assist for his South American teammate, floating a delightful ball into the box for Nunez to nod into the far corner.

It capped another fantastic display from the £35m summer signing and his graceful performance was not lost on former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman.

Speaking after the match (via HITC), McManaman said: "I thought he [Mac Allister] had an excellent game. Sometimes, it gets lost when it’s 0-0.

"They dominated possession and I thought he hardly gave the ball away. He was one of the most impressive players for Liverpool.

"His cross for the goal was fantastic – a brilliant day and a brilliant result for Liverpool."

Mac Allister has been vital for Liverpool in recent weeks, especially given injuries to key midfielders, and he has been far more effective going forward since moving into a more advanced role.

Now playing as a number eight with a traditional defensive midfielder behind him - Joe Gomez on Saturday - the World Cup winner has been able to orchestrate things in the opposition half for the Reds.

Mac Allister now has three assists and a goal in his last four starts and is starting to look more and more comfortable in a Liverpool shirt with each passing week.

The Argentine will be essential for Liverpool next week as they come up against a fully-fit Manchester City side who boast the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Rodri in central areas.