‘Outstanding’ Liverpool deserved more than draw with Nottingham Forest: Arne Slot

LONDON – Arne Slot believes that Liverpool deserved to beat Nottingham Forest after the “outstanding” English Premier League leaders needed Diogo Jota’s equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw with their title rivals on Jan 14.

The Reds were rocked by Chris Wood’s eighth-minute opener at the raucous City Ground, but Jota came off the bench to head in fellow substitute Kostas Tsimikas’ corner just 20 seconds after Slot sent on the pair in the 66th minute.

Although Liverpool had struggled to cope with Forest’s intensity and rock-solid defending until Jota’s leveller, they laid siege to the home side’s goal in the closing stages of the game.

It took a series of superb saves from Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels and a goal-line clearance from Ola Aina to ensure Nuno Espirito Santo’s team held on.

“Their goalkeeper had to make a few incredible saves, but their defenders also made some good blocks with quite a few chances. They blocked almost every shot,” Slot said.

“I could not have asked for more. Second half was outstanding. There are not many teams that can create so many chances against an opponent so defensively strong. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get a second.”

It was a pulsating clash that was reminiscent of the golden era when Liverpool and Forest won five European Cups between them from 1977 to 1981.

They were also both English champions during that period and, while Forest are unlikely to ever emulate the Brian Clough era, this tenacious display indicated a title challenge is not beyond them.

They had already beaten Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield in September – the leaders’ only defeat in 20 league games – and Slot needed no reminding of their qualities.

“We were definitely better than the last time that we played them. That wasn’t that difficult though. Back then, we did not create much, today we did,” the 46-year-old Dutchman added.

“It is so, so hard for every team to create here. And at times it was one chance after another.

“To win games in the second half of the season is more difficult than in the first. Teams get used to playing you and they improve, they can even bring in new players or a new manager, and they fight for every point.”

Chasing a first English title since 2020, Liverpool remain in control of their own destiny.

Arsenal can close the gap on the Reds (47) to four points with a win against Tottenham Hotspur on Jan 15 in the north London derby, which kicked off after press time, but Liverpool will hold a game in hand.

Slot sees no reason to panic after two successive league draws – they were held 2-2 by Manchester United on Jan 5.

“For us to come from behind shows the character and quality the team has,” he insisted.

“But we must not get a habit of not getting what we deserved because it happened at Tottenham (1-0 loss in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final) and it happened today.”

Forest’s six-game winning run in the league may have come to an end, along with a seven-hour streak of not conceding a single goal in the top flight.

However, this was an energising night for the team, who have enjoyed a remarkable transformation this term after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.

“First half, we were organised and didn’t allow too many situations. The second half was like ping pong and Liverpool became stronger. They have space and, with the speed and talent they have, it is very dangerous,” Nuno said.

“I’m very proud of the team for the way they worked and ran, especially up and down, and the sprints to recover and the desire to attack.”

Forest were up to second place on 41 points, one ahead of Arsenal before the Gunners’ match, and their manager urged them to keep pushing.

“Of course, we are satisfied, especially because of the way the players work. We keep going. We want to enjoy the moment, and we are competing very well,” Nuno added. AFP