The final moments of Liverpool’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, February 22, 2026, were nothing short of chaotic, culminating in a 97th-minute winner from Alexis Mac Allister. But it wasn’t just the goal itself that captured attention. it was the exuberant reaction of teammate Ibrahima Konate, who celebrated with a series of impromptu cartwheels. The dramatic finish secured a 1-0 victory for Liverpool at the City Ground, a result that felt particularly hard-fought given the circumstances.
Mac Allister’s late goal, his first of the season, came after a period of sustained pressure and a previously disallowed goal due to a handball decision following a VAR review. The win, while not a dominant performance, demonstrates Liverpool’s resilience and ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The celebration from Konate, a visible outpouring of relief and joy, quickly went viral, encapsulating the emotional rollercoaster of the match. The incident highlights the strong team spirit within the Liverpool squad.
Mac Allister’s Dramatic Winner
The winning goal arrived deep into stoppage time, in the 97th minute, following a scramble in the Nottingham Forest penalty area. A cross from Rio Ngumoha, who had recently replaced Mohamed Salah, initially found Hugo Ekitike, but his header was saved by Stefan Ortega. The subsequent attempt to clear the ball by Ola Aina unfortunately deflected off Mac Allister and into the net, according to reports from The Times.
However, the goal wasn’t immediately awarded. A VAR check was required to determine whether the ball had struck Mac Allister’s arm. Paul Tierney ultimately ruled that it had, initially disallowing the goal. Mac Allister himself acknowledged the handball, describing the decision as “harsh,” but ultimately celebrated when the goal stood after further review.
Ibrahima Konate did cartwheels after Alexis Mac Allister’s 97th minute winner today. 🤸♂️pic.twitter.com/WwJq9wJq9q
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) February 22, 2026
Konate’s Celebratory Display
The immediate aftermath of the goal saw Konate erupt in a display of athleticism, performing cartwheels on the pitch. This exuberant celebration was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, gaining over 1700 likes on Instagram within hours, as reported by talkSPORT. The moment perfectly encapsulated the relief and joy felt by the Liverpool players after securing a late victory. The reaction from Konate has been widely praised as a genuine expression of emotion.
talkSPORT • 1733 likes
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Alexis Mac Allister was seen wrapped in an Argentina flag by a teammate, a scene reminiscent of previous displays of camaraderie within the squad, as noted in a Reddit post from April 2025. This gesture underscores the strong bond between players and the team’s inclusive spirit.
Looking Ahead for Liverpool
The victory over Nottingham Forest provides a crucial boost for Liverpool as they continue their Premier League campaign. While the performance wasn’t flawless, the ability to secure a win in such dramatic fashion demonstrates the team’s character and determination. The focus will now shift to their upcoming fixtures, with the team aiming to build on this momentum and maintain their position in the league table.
What did you think of Liverpool’s dramatic win and Konate’s celebratory cartwheels? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow football fans!