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By Martin Graham | 15th Jan 2025
Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of Nottingham Forest, experienced a night of pure football drama as he watched from the directors’ box at the City Ground. With a massive television screen in front of him and a pulsating match unfolding just yards away, Marinakis witnessed his team face Premier League leaders Liverpool.
This contest embodied Forest’s ambitious rise, showcasing their determination to challenge England’s elite. The atmosphere crackled with energy as Forest fans reveled in their team’s defensive grit and Liverpool’s late resurgence.
Forest strike early but Liverpool rally
The home side began with characteristic intensity, seizing the lead after just eight minutes. Anthony Elanga’s clever pass bypassed Virgil van Dijk, setting up Chris Wood to finish clinically. It marked Wood’s 13th goal of a stellar season.
Forest’s approach mirrored their manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s style – compact defense paired with sharp counterattacks. Key to this strategy were center-backs Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic, whose commanding performances frustrated Liverpool throughout the match.
Murillo, acquired from Corinthians for £15m in 2023, and Milenkovic, a £12m signing from Fiorentina in 2024, were pivotal. The duo registered a combined 30 clearances, with Murillo setting a season record of 18 in a single Premier League game.
Despite Liverpool controlling 71% possession, Forest’s defensive resolve, complemented by goalkeeper Matz Sels’ outstanding saves, kept the visitors at bay for most of the match. Sels, a bargain signing at £5m, denied Diogo Jota twice and produced a brilliant stop against Mohamed Salah.
Inspired substitutions rescue Liverpool
Liverpool manager Arne Slot turned to his bench in the 66th minute, introducing Jota and Kostas Tsimikas for Ibrahima Konate and Andrew Robertson. The move paid immediate dividends, with Tsimikas delivering a corner that Jota headed home within 22 seconds.
Slot downplayed his role, describing the goal as fortunate rather than tactical brilliance. However, it was a turning point that ensured Liverpool left with a point, maintaining their lead at the top of the table.
Forest’s resilience and ability to frustrate one of Europe’s strongest teams underscored their transformation under Nuno’s leadership. Meanwhile, Slot voiced frustration at recent results, insisting Liverpool deserved more from their last few matches.
For Forest, this draw validated their presence among the Premier League’s upper echelons. For Liverpool, it was another reminder of the fine margins in their pursuit of the title.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
