Slot hails Liverpool’s ‘outstanding’ second half as Jota rescues point against Forest

Arne Slot hailed Liverpool’s “extraordinary” second half that earned them a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.

The Premier League leaders maintained their six-point lead at the top of the table and Diogo Jota came off the bench to prevent the hosts from reducing the gap at the top to just three after Chris Wood’s early opener.

Liverpool struggled to break through a stubborn Forest display for most of the hour, but a much-improved display after Jota’s introduction saw them share the spoils.

Slot told TNT Sports: “Their goalkeeper had to make some incredible saves, but their defenders also made some good blocks with plenty of opportunities. They blocked almost every shot.

“I couldn’t ask for more. The second half was outstanding. Not many teams can create so many chances against such a defensively strong opponent. unfortunately we couldn’t get a second.”

“You have to be a little lucky with those (substitutions).

“We brought on Ibou (Konate) at that point, who is normally a big threat in stoppages, but we all know that Jota can score and Tsmikas has a good delivery. We brought them in to score, but they really did it after 20 seconds.”

Jota: ‘Good point, but we wanted three’

Jota’s header from a corner from close range was assisted by second substitute Kostas Tsimikas, and the two made a significant contribution after coming on.

The Portuguese forward said: “We watched the goal in the cup (FA Cup 2023) from a few years ago where he (Tsimikas) passed it to me and when we were on the touchline we said: ‘Let’s go now and do it again, you take the corner.’ And he was naked.

“It was one of those occasions where everything went right. But like I said, I’m not happy because I think we could have won.”

Of their lead at the top, which remains six points, Jota said: “It’s a long way to the Premier League. Every ground you walk on is hard. One more point, but we wanted three.”

Sels: Remi is still a good result

Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels received much deserved plaudits after several fantastic saves to keep Tricky Trees in the game.

The Belgian stopper said: “It was amazing with all the fans behind us. One point is a good result for us in the end. Of course we wanted to win, but I think a point is a good result against them.

“In the second half there was a lot more space between the lines and Liverpool had a few big chances. If you are realistic, you have to say that a point is a good result for us.

“I’m here to help the team in difficult times. In the second half, in the last 20-25 minutes, they had a lot of great opportunities. Everyone fought for it, until the last second. I’m very happy for the team and that we didn’t lose because it gives us confidence for the next game.

“Before the season, we had to get to 40 points as soon as possible. With 17 games to go, we have 41 so we can watch a little more. If you want to finish in the top four or top five, you have to keep those teams behind you, like Aston Villa, Man City and Newcastle.”

Scorer Jota, who was denied several times by Sels after the goal, said of the goalkeeper’s play: “I was just saying that to my former coaches from Wolves. He had two or three great saves. You want to be better, but he was good too.”