Jamie Carragher calls on Arne Slot to make instant change after Liverpool’s win over Forest
Jamie Carragher has called on Arne Slot to make a key adjustment following Liverpool’s narrow victory over Nottingham Forest.
The Reds travelled to the City Ground on Sunday aiming to secure consecutive Premier League wins after edging Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light two weeks earlier. Forest, meanwhile, under new manager Vitor Pereira, were desperate to widen the gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
The home side started brightly and wasted several clear chances in the first half, while Liverpool struggled to find their rhythm. After the break, the game appeared destined for a goalless draw, but in stoppage time Alexis Mac Allister struck to clinch a dramatic 1-0 win for Slot’s side, having earlier seen a goal ruled out for handball. The result lifted Liverpool level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United.
In response, Carragher urged Slot to give teenage prospect Rio Ngumoha more regular opportunities, branding Liverpool’s win as one of the biggest “smash-and-grabs” of the Premier League season. Speaking on Sky Sports, he said:
“That’s one of the biggest robberies I’ve seen this season. Ngumoha did more in 15 minutes than Salah and Gakpo managed before him. He completely changed the game and should be starting matches. No team does late winners better in the Premier League than Liverpool.”
Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand echoed that sentiment, posting: “Outstanding performance from the kid. He transformed the game — direct, quick, and skillful, always looking to beat his man and create chances.”
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge added: “Every time I see Rio Ngumoha, he’s electric — brave, direct, and always trying to make something happen. He deserves more game time, no doubt.”
Ngumoha has consistently impressed in limited appearances this season, including scoring a dramatic late winner against Newcastle United earlier in the campaign.
After the match, Slot praised the youngster’s impact, explaining:
“The disallowed goal came mainly because of him — a brilliant cross that you’d normally expect to be finished. His one-v-one play was exactly what the game needed. That’s why I brought him on, first on the left where he had little involvement, then on the right where he influenced the game much more.”
Slot concluded: “For a 17-year-old, he already plays a huge role. Show me another player his age in the Premier League getting this many minutes — it shows how highly we rate him and how special his talent is.”