Nottingham Forest 1-1 Liverpool: Hosts’ heroics undone by Castle’s supercar on a night of pure theater

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis sat in front of his own big screen TV in the City Ground directors’ box glued to a night of pure Premier League theatre.

Whether Marinakis’ gaze was on the television or events unfolding on the pitch in front of him, he saw the fulfillment of his burning ambition to have Forest punch above their weight with the superpowers of the top flight, in this case the Premier League the leaders Liverpool.

This was a night that had it all – from a wonderfully fiery atmosphere as Forest fans lived the high life, to a brilliant defensive display from Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, only dwarfed by a doubly brilliant substitution from Liverpool manager Arne Slot who almost turned defeat into victory.

The final result was a 1-1 draw that left Liverpool six points ahead of Forest with a game in hand, the Premier League’s surprise package showing they fully deserve their place in the top tier of the table.

On 66 minutes, it looked like Forest were about to inflict a second knockout blow on Liverpool this season after their September win at Anfield, still the only league defeat that Castle’s side have suffered this season.

The first half was classic Forest, classic Nuno as they took the lead in trademark fashion after eight minutes, Anthony Elanga slipping a pass past Virgil van Dijk into the path of striker Chris Wood, who is enjoying a golden season, to finish clinically for his 13th. goal of the season.

At the heart of this monumental Forest effort was goalkeeper Matz Sels, who performed heroics as Liverpool took the lead, alongside the twin powerhouses of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic.

If there is a more formidable central defensive partnership in the Premier League then it must be a terrifying sight.

Murillo and Milenkovic are both quality players but have a steely determination and a “don’t pass” approach that gives Forest’s counter-attacking game, with Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the flanks and Wood through the middle, the platform to flourish.