Liverpool reject, Taiwo Awoniyi became the proverbial stone that was rejected but turned out to become the pillar of Nottingham Forest as the later produced a superb performance that shocked Liverpool 1-0 in the Premier League on Sunday.
The victory saw Forest climb off the bottom of the Premier League at a boisterous City Ground.
Awoniyi, who left Liverpool in 2021 without making a competitive appearance, hit the winner from close range after his initial attempt came back off a post.
Liverpool were a long way from their best – Virgil van Dijk wasted their best chance – and remain without an away league win this season.
Forest keeper Dean Henderson produced a superb save to palm away a Trent Alexander-Arnold header in the final 10 minutes.
There were jubilant scenes on and off the pitch at the final whistle as Forest enjoyed their best day since returning to the top flight this season after a 23-year absence.
Liverpool are 11 points behind leaders Arsenal having played one game more while Forest, who are 19th, move above Leicester.
Forest have endured a difficult start to their first season back in the Premier League, but this was a day to remember as they thoroughly deserved their victory over a flat Liverpool.
Given Forest slumped to the bottom of the table on Thursday with Leicester’s win over Leeds, boss Steve Cooper will hope this is a season-changing win.
Despite their struggles since winning promotion, Forest awarded Cooper a new contract until 2025 this month.