Gutsy Ola Aina and Forest deny Liverpool 3 points again

Gutsy Ola Aina and Forest deny Liverpool 3 points again

Faruq Ibrahim 23:04 - 14.01.2025

Ola Aina was at his defensive best as Nottingham Forest snatched four points from Liverpool this season after draw at City Ground.

Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest have successfully avoided defeat in two legs against Liverpool, following a 1-1 draw tonight at City Ground.

The Tricky Trees remain the only team this season to have beaten Arne Slots side in the Premier League, and tonight's clash was billed as a sort of score settling encounter.

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Despite the added motivation for the Reds, Forest found the back of the net first through the on-form Chris Wood. Liverpool needed a second-half strike from Diogo Jota to restore parity, and try as they might, they failed to find a winner against a resolute Forest defense.

Key match details

Nottingham Forest withstood a barrage of early pressure before catching Liverpool off guard in the eighth minute. Anthony Elanga's clever through-ball released Chris Wood, who finished with aplomb across Alisson Becker with his weaker foot.

Liverpool regained control of possession but found Forest's defense a formidable obstacle. Luis Díaz's speculative effort from distance sailed wide, while Neco Williams produced a crucial intervention to thwart Dominik Szoboszlai's header. The Reds did not have much joy for the remainder of the half.

The second half saw Forest maintain their solidity, with Murillo again to the fore in blocking Szoboszlai's effort. They had attacking forrays of their own, as Elanga's menacing free-kick at the other end was palmed away by Alisson, but Liverpool's fortunes changed with a double substitution in the 66th minute. Kostas Tsimikas' corner was met by Diogo Jota, who headed in his side's first shot on target.

Matz Sels produced a string of spectacular saves to deny Jota and Salah, while Elliot Anderson and Ola Aina also made crucial interventions to preserve Forest's lead. The Tricky Trees held on to the point as they avoided defeat against the league leaders for the second time this season.

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