Nottingham Forest 1-1 Liverpool: Player Ratings as Jota Rescues the Reds

Key Points:

• Liverpool fought back to draw 1-1 with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
• Diogo Jota equalised shortly after coming on as a substitute.
• Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels and defender Murillo starred in a solid defensive display.

Liverpool’s hopes of maintaining their Premier League title charge took a hit on Tuesday evening as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Nottingham Forest in a tense contest.

The hosts took the lead in the eighth minute when Chris Wood capitalised on Liverpool’s defensive lapse to drill home a low finish beyond Alisson. Forest’s remarkable defensive record, having not conceded a goal since mid-December, was on full display as they stifled Liverpool throughout the first half.

Liverpool finally broke through in the second half with inspired substitutions from Arne Slot. Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota combined immediately after coming on, with Jota heading home the equaliser just 22 seconds after entering the pitch.

Despite late pressure, including a string of saves from the outstanding Matz Sels and a goal-line clearance by Ola Aina, Liverpool couldn’t find the winner, leaving them frustrated in their second consecutive league draw.

Player Ratings

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)

• GK: Matz Sels – 7.9/10
  Delivered a series of crucial saves, particularly in the closing stages, to deny Liverpool a winner.
• RB: Ola Aina – 7.1/10
  Defended solidly and made a vital clearance off the line late on.
• CB: Nikola Milenkovic – 7.1/10
  A commanding presence in the air and crucial in frustrating Liverpool’s attacks.
• CB: Murillo – 8.1/10 (Player of the Match)
  Exceptional defensive performance, blocking and intercepting key attacks.
• LB: Neco Williams – 6.9/10
  A composed display against his former club, contributing defensively and in transition.
• DM: Ryan Yates – 6.5/10
  Worked tirelessly in midfield before being substituted.
• DM: Elliot Anderson – 7.9/10
  Broke up play effectively and covered ground with energy.
• RW: Anthony Elanga – 7.7/10
  Provided the assist for Wood’s goal with a perfectly weighted through ball.
• AM: Morgan Gibbs-White – 6.5/10
  Had moments of creativity but was largely subdued.
• LW: Callum Hudson-Odoi – 7.2/10
  Showed flashes of skill and was a threat on the counter.
• ST: Chris Wood – 7.2/10
  Clinical finish to give Forest the lead and worked hard throughout.

Substitutes:

• Nicolas Dominguez (77′) – 6.4/10
• Jota Silva (83′) – N/A
• Alex Moreno (90′) – N/A
• Taiwo Awoniyi (90′) – N/A
• Morato (90′) – N/A
  Unused subs: Carlos Miguel (GK), Willy Boly, James Ward-Prowse, Ramon Sosa.

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

• GK: Alisson – 6.5/10
  Could do little about the goal but remained steady under pressure.
• RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6.7/10
  Provided attacking width but struggled to deliver decisive contributions.
• CB: Ibrahima Konate – 6.5/10
  Solid defensively but unremarkable.
• CB: Virgil van Dijk – 7.5/10
  Strong in defence and composed on the ball.
• LB: Andy Robertson – 6.4/10
  Worked hard but was replaced by Tsimikas, who had a greater impact.
• DM: Ryan Gravenberch – 7.4/10
  Showed composure in midfield and contributed defensively.
• DM: Alexis Mac Allister – 7.4/10
  Dictated the tempo in midfield and linked up well with the attack.
• RW: Mohamed Salah – 6.9/10
  Came close late on but was largely frustrated by Forest’s defence.
• AM: Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.4/10
  Creative and energetic, though unable to break Forest’s defensive line.
• LW: Cody Gakpo – 7.2/10
  Worked hard and forced a fine save from Sels late in the game.
• ST: Luis Diaz – 6.7/10
  Struggled to impose himself and was substituted in the second half.

Substitutes:

• Kostas Tsimikas (65′) – 7.0/10
  Delivered the corner for Jota’s equaliser.
• Diogo Jota (65′) – 7.7/10
  Made an immediate impact with a goal and added energy to Liverpool’s attack.
• Curtis Jones (75′) – 6.3/10
  Offered fresh legs but little else.

Unused subs: Caoimhin Kelleher (GK), Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa.

Takeaways

Player of the Match: Murillo
The Forest centre-back was a rock at the heart of the defence, earning praise for his timing and positioning.

Liverpool’s Struggles:
This draw highlights Liverpool’s difficulty in breaking down well-organised defences, a concern as the title race heats up.

Forest’s Resilience:
Forest showcased why they are among the Premier League’s toughest defensive units, earning a well-deserved point.