Slot’s Tactical Shift Saves Liverpool Against Forest

When Nottingham Forest struck early, the City Ground roared with dreams of a historic league double over Liverpool.

January 14, 2025
11:48 pm

Liverpool manager Arne Slot pulled off a clever move that helped the team snag a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, stopping the Tricky Trees from getting their first league double over the Reds since the 1962/63 season. The match was packed with intensity and strategy, with Forest showing their grit while Liverpool found a way to bounce back under pressure.

Nottingham Forest shocked their visitors early on, taking advantage of Liverpool’s high defensive line. Just eight minutes in, Anthony Elanga’s sharp pass cut through the Reds’ defense, reaching Chris Wood, who finished neatly past Alisson Becker with his weaker foot. The City Ground went wild, and Forest, pumped by the lively crowd, almost doubled their lead moments later with a stunning run and shot from Murillo, but he just missed the target. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s deflected shot also tested Alisson, but the Liverpool keeper was ready.

Even with the early setback, Liverpool slowly took control of the game. But breaking through Forest’s tough defense was tricky. Luis Díaz’s long-range shot went wide, and Neco Williams skillfully blocked Dominik Szoboszlai’s close-range header. Whenever the Reds looked to counter, Murillo’s defense shone, cutting off Díaz’s dangerous pass meant for Cody Gakpo.

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After halftime, Nuno Espírito Santo’s team kept their strong defense. Murillo was on fire again, blocking Szoboszlai’s shot, while Mohamed Salah’s first attempt of the match, nearly an hour in, went wide — not his usual style. Forest still posed a threat on the break, with Alisson having to dive to save Elanga’s curling free-kick.

Slot’s cleverness shone through in the 66th minute with a double substitution that changed the game. Kostas Tsimikas sent in a perfect corner, and Diogo Jota jumped high to head in Liverpool’s equalizer — their first shot on target! Nottingham Forest’s goalkeeper Matz Sels became the hero for the hosts, making a series of amazing saves to deny Jota, Salah, and Szoboszlai as Liverpool cranked up the pressure.

Sels’s heroics helped Forest keep their unbeaten streak alive at eight matches, putting them in second place in the Premier League, six points behind Liverpool. Although their seven-match winning streak ended, Forest’s toughness showed they’re a serious contender this season. Meanwhile, Liverpool has some worries as they’ve only won once in their last four matches across all competitions, even though they’re still unbeaten in the league since their September game with Forest.