Substitute Jota equalises as Liverpool draw thriller at Forest

Liverpool had to come from behind to maintain their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table in an enthralling draw with surprise challengers Nottingham Forest.

Forest, chasing a seventh successive league win for the first time since 1922, took the lead after only eight minutes when Chris Wood applied a clinical finish to Anthony Elanga’s pass.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side survived in relative comfort as they tried to complete the league double over Liverpool, until head coach Arne Slot’s substitutions had an instant impact after 66 minutes.

Diogo Jota had only been on the pitch 22 seconds when he headed in a corner from another substitute, Kostas Tsimikas, the pair having just come on for Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.

Jota threatened to turn the game on its head completely, forcing two fine saves from Forest keeper Matz Sels, while Mo Salah saw a late effort blocked on the line as Liverpool dominated the second half after a lack-lustre first period.

Forest remain in second place and on this form, in the wonderful atmosphere at The City Ground, they show all the signs of maintaining that lofty status.