Szoboszlai's late magic secures Liverpool win

Dominik Szoboszlai's late-game brilliance provided Liverpool with a crucial 97th-minute victory against Nottingham Forest. The Hungarian midfielder's decisive cross, described as football arrogance by Jamie Carragher, secured the win after Liverpool initially struggled with Forest's intensity and appeared lethargic. Szoboszlai has been a standout performer for Liverpool, often filling in out of position due to injuries, showcasing a level of energy and class the team relies heavily upon. He created five chances against Forest, significantly more than his teammates combined.

Nottingham Forest displayed a new front-footed approach, dominating early with aggressive pressing and winning possession high up the pitch. This contrasted with previous games where their style frustrated supporters. Despite their strong first-half performance, Forest ultimately tired, unable to maintain their pressure against Liverpool. This tactical shift, though perhaps unsustainable for deep European runs, hinted at the potential wasted by the club this season.

In another fixture, Erling Haaland's surprising defensive efforts were instrumental in Manchester City's 2-1 win over Newcastle. Haaland made a season-high number of clearances, demonstrating a significant contribution beyond his usual attacking role. This display, alongside his seventh assist of the season, earned him praise from Pep Guardiola, highlighting a more involved and dynamic role for the striker.

Brighton's match against Brentford saw a stark contrast in team age. Fabian Hurzeler fielded one of the oldest starting lineups of the season, featuring 40-year-old James Milner, to secure a 2-0 away win. This followed an earlier game where Brighton fielded one of the youngest teams, indicating unusual squad composition issues for the club.