The sequence leading to Liverpool’s winning goal against Nottingham Forest showcased remarkable beauty and strategy.
Alexis Mac Allister demonstrated remarkable composure and restraint by resisting the urge to immediately deliver a hopeful cross into the box. Instead, he opted to take an additional moment to assess his options, eventually floating a left-footed ball into a perilous area.
Despite the pressure and the urgency of the moment, Mac Allister’s decision-making highlighted his status as a world-class midfielder, reminiscent of his contributions to Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad.
Darwin Nunez’s contribution was equally crucial. His intelligent movement during the build-up was exceptional, as he initially positioned himself to attack the six-yard box before adjusting his position when Mac Allister shifted back onto his left foot. Nunez’s last-second burst of speed allowed him to generate the momentum needed to guide his header into the corner of the net.
This goal marked Nunez’s 10th Premier League goal of the season, securing a crucial three points for Liverpool in the title race.
The third musketeer in the Liverpool’s winning goal was Endo, often underrated but pivotal in that phase of play. Substituted in after 60 minutes for Bobby Clark, the Japan international showcased his combative prowess.
Endo excelled, winning three of four duels and 50% of his tackles at the City Ground. Amid his contributions, he managed two ball recoveries and completed 21 of 26 attempted passes on Saturday afternoon.
His standout moment came in the build-up to the decisive goal. Facing a potential Forest attack, Endo resisted the temptation to halt the play with a foul near the penalty area. Such a decision could have sealed the game for Forest, aiming to secure crucial points in their relegation battle.
Instead, Endo applied pressure on Callum Hudson-Odoi, disrupting his play and allowing Taiwo Awoniyi to gain possession. Endo’s intervention thwarted the former Liverpool striker’s attempt to break away, denying him control of the ball with a well-timed toe poke.
He continues his run towards the right side of the Forest penalty area, drawing Hudson-Odoi towards him and preventing the former Chelsea player from pressuring Mac Allister. This leaves the Argentine international, Mac Allister, with a one-on-one opportunity against Awoniyi, giving him ample time and space to make a decision with the ball.
Endo’s intervention is crucial here; if he had only won the ball without continuing his movement, Forest could have swarmed Awoniyi and forced him into making a hasty pass or playing the ball backwards.
The £16 million summer signing played a pivotal role in securing Liverpool’s victory at the City Ground. His quick toe poke to dispossess Awoniyi was just as essential as Mac Allister’s composed possession play leading up to the cross into the box. Endo’s contribution was as intelligent as Darwin’s clever movement to get past the defender and remain onside.
Returning from injury, Endo once again demonstrated why he is arguably the standout signing of the season, not just for Liverpool but for the entire Premier League.
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