UK media gives worrying Mohamed Salah verdict after Liverpool drama - 'Signs of decline'

Liverpool left it late to claim what could prove to be a vital win over Nottingham Forest, with the UK's media giving their verdict on a dramatic day at the City Ground

Mohamed Salah had a day to forget for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty Images)

It was a day filled with drama - even before the start and right to the very end - as Liverpool left it late to overcome Nottingham Forest.

Having seen Florian Wirtz forced out moments before kick-off after an injury in the warm-up, it seemed as though it would be another frustrating afternoon in what has been such a disappointing season, but up stepped Alexis Mac Allister in the dying embers to secure what could prove to be a vital three points in the Reds’ quest to secure Champions League qualification.

Arne Slot and his players will of course be delighted to come away with the victory on a day when it seemed everything was going against them - but there were some concerning signs that cannot be ignored, not least in another underwhelming display from Mohamed Salah.

As ever, the UK’s media was in attendance at the City Ground along with Liverpool.com to give their verdict on another dramatic outing for the Reds. Here’s what they made of the win over Forest…

Tom Collomose - Daily Mail

Collomose wrote in the Daily Mail: "Though it would be foolish to write off Salah, the signs of decline are there.

"At one point in the second half, Neco Williams slipped and Salah had the chance to scamper into space behind him. Last season, that would have produced a goal – or at least a shot on target.

Alexis Mac Allister celebrates after scoring Liverpool's winner over Nottingham Forest(Image: 2026 Ben Roberts - Danehouse)

"This time, Williams caught Salah and was able to slow him down in time for Murillo to clear. It was in keeping with Salah’s general performance. He remains a fine player, but the electricity of his best days was absent.

"Salah may yet have a key role to play this season. Who knows, he may even score the winner in the Champions League final. It would not alter the basic fact that this version of Salah is nothing like the player who fired the Reds to the Premier League title last season."

John Percy - The Telegraph

Percy wrote in The Telegraph: "It has been a difficult and traumatic season for Liverpool and the hardest of Arne Slot’s career in management, but perhaps their fortune is turning. Crazy moments like this dramatic finale could prove pivotal in salvaging this campaign and, despite all their problems, Liverpool remain in contention for Champions League qualification.

"When Florian Wirtz injured his back in the warm-up before this game even started, Slot must have feared that his own personal hoodoo against Nottingham Forest would be extended. His team would then produce the worst first-half performance of his entire tenure so far. It really was that bad, too.

"Mohamed Salah was taken off towards the end after a ninth Premier League game without a goal and his problems seem to epitomize the malaise that has gripped the defending champions during much of this season.

"Yet, improbably, Liverpool are now level on points with Manchester United and Chelsea after a result that papered over a crack bigger than the Grand Canyon. After the game, Slot had the air of a manager who clearly felt this could be a turning point."

Gregor Robertson - The Times

Robertson wrote in The Times: "Breathless, bonkers, bedlam — you can take your pick but, my goodness, what a finale we were treated to at the City Ground.

"Quite how Liverpool emerged from this game with all three points is a mystery but, in the end, Alexis Mac Allister’s 97th-minute winner was the game’s dramatic, decisive and all-important moment, and a shell-shocked Nottingham Forest were left to rue an afternoon that felt like a robbery in Robin Hood country."