Liverpool manager Arne Slot was of the opinion that his side deserved a win against Nottingham Forest following their 1-1 draw at City Ground as his side have now failed to beat their Wednesday opponents in both their clashes this season.
Beaten 0-1 at Anfield earlier in the campaign, Slot’s Reds were stunned once again after Chris Wood’s eighth-minute opening goal but subsitutes Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas combined to equaliser as the former headed home the latter’s cross six minutes after the hour mark.
Although, the league leaders had issues coping with Forest’s intense display and rigid defending until after Jota’s goal, they seized control in the late part of the contest — with series of saves from Matz Sels and even a goal-line clearance from Ola Aina to give Nuno Espirito Santo’s team a share of the spoils.
“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 thrilling clash that brought memories of the golden era when Liverpool and Forest won five European Cups between them from 1977 to 1981.
They were also both champions of England during that period and, while Forest seems unlikely to ever rediscover the Brian Clough era, their solid display gave a hint that a title challenge could not be ruled out.
With Liverpool’s only defeat in 20 league games coming against Forest in September, Slot needed no reminder 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,” he 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.”
