Nottingham Forest emerge as serious challengers after holding Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool’s title aspirations took another hit as they dropped points for the second consecutive Premier League game with a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

The Reds remain six points ahead of Forest with a game in hand, but the gaps in their form are becoming harder to ignore.

Chris Wood’s eighth-minute goal epitomised Forest’s counter-attacking prowess as he clinically finished Anthony Elanga’s incisive pass.

It was a perfect snapshot of Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactics, blending defensive solidity with devastating counter-attacks.

Liverpool dominated possession but struggled to break through Forest’s resolute defence, led superbly by Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo.

Despite creating numerous chances, the Reds lacked precision in the final third. Arne Slot’s substitutions in the 65th minute finally made the difference.

Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota combined instantly, with Jota heading home from Tsimikas’s corner to level the score.

However, despite piling on late pressure, Liverpool were denied by a string of saves from Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels, who was in inspired form.

This was another statement performance for Forest in a season that has defied expectations.

Their defence, which had gone over 500 minutes without conceding, was tested but held firm under relentless pressure.

Sels, alongside the commanding Milenkovic and Murillo, ensured Forest secured a hard-fought point.

Forest’s rise to second place is no fluke. They have developed a well-drilled system that maximises their strengths while nullifying opponents’ threats.

With Wood already tallying 13 league goals and quick outlets such as Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, they pose a genuine challenge to the league’s top sides.Liverpool’s struggles to capitalise on their dominance raise questions about their title credentials. Despite their attacking firepower, there is a growing sense that they are not yet the finished article.

With Arsenal now having the chance to close the gap to four points if they beat Tottenham Hotspur later today, the pressure is mounting on Slot’s side.

The Premier League title race is wide open, with Forest emerging as serious contenders. Forest are no longer just along for the ride – they are here to disrupt the hierarchy.