It was yet another bleak day at the office for Liverpool in their attempts to secure a Champions League place next season, despite claiming a late winner to boost their top-five hopes.
In a largely dire performance from the reigning Premier League champions, largely evocative of much of their season so far, the Reds managed to salvage all three points against Nottingham Forest through a late Alexis Mac Allister finish at the City Ground.
However, despite the full-time joy of that result, which pulled them level on points with a faltering Chelsea side, there are still plenty of questions to be asked of the squad that started the game.
Is Ngumoha Ready?
Apart from the scoreline, the main highlight of most Liverpool fans’ Sunday afternoon was the 15-minute cameo Rio Ngumoha was gifted, coming on alongside Federico Chiesa to replace Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo.
Neither of Liverpool’s starting wingers were able to make an impact on the game, and perhaps played slightly too negative which stunted the away side’s ability to create clear-cut chances for Hugo Ekitike or themselves.
Gakpo has earned a fair bit of flak for his efforts across the season, with his goals and assists return much lower than in his first two full seasons at Anfield.
Those performances from the Dutchman has spearheaded the calls for youngster Rio Ngumoha to be given more regular game time, with his impact immediate at the City Ground.
Providing a much-needed energy boost and attacking threat that the Reds lacked on the day, the 17-year-old caused a weary Forest defence all sorts of problems, and played in the ball, which eventually led to Alexis Mac Allister’s first, disallowed goal.
Jamie Carragher was very vocal about his desire to see Ngumoha get more action going forward on Sky Sports, saying: (Quotes via the Daily Mirror)
“Ngumoha did more in 15 minutes than Salah and Gakpo did before that. He changed the game and needs to be starting games. There’s no-one better in getting last-minute winners in Premier League – and that is Liverpool.”
What Is Holding Slot Back?
While calls for giving the former Chelsea academy star more appearances are growing, ultimately, it is the call of one man, Arne Slot.
The Reds boss has been fairly consistent with his team selection, giving Gakpo regular game time across all competitions, seemingly in the hope that his Netherlands compatriot can rekindle his form from last season.
However, since January, he has been far from his best, with just two goals to his name across 2026, and his last return came against Marseille as a substitute in the Champions League.
With some easier fixtures on the horizon against teams struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, including West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and a league and cup double against Wolverhampton Wanderers, it is arguably Gakpo’s final chances to be given starts in order to improve his performances.
If the Dutchman cannot prove himself in these games, then Ngumoha should finally be given his chance to shine on a regular basis over the 26-year-old.