HomeViews and OpinionsForest felled in five-goal thriller

Forest felled in five-goal thriller

In a game almost devoid of incident in the first half, other than a glaring miss by Diogo Jota, who went on to score a brace, the second half saw five goals, nervous Liverpool defending, and a Mo Salah winner at the Kop end.

Forest, content to sit behind the ball for almost the entirety of the opening 45 minutes, offered nothing offensively. Liverpool meanwhile, with over 80% possession, did very little with it. A goal-line clearance by the visitors, and a miss by Jota from barely a yard, the closest the game got to a goal, in a first half most notable for the warmly appreciated banner unfurled by a vociferous away support, calling for an end to tragedy chanting.

If the first half lacked goalmouth action, the second half was a relative goal fest. Jota finished off a trio of headers to put Liverpool ahead, only to see the lead wiped out moments later, as a Nico Williams strike deflected past Allison. Jota then restored the lead, with a smart touch on his chest, followed by a half volley that nestled in the corner. Yet again though, Liverpool’s inept defending, that’s cost them so dearly this season, again gifted the opposition. Even the away end was bemused, mocking the fact that, having only previously scored three away league goals all season, Klopp’s men had gifted them two.

So with just 20 minutes remaining, Liverpool had to take the lead for the third time to secure the points. Once again, it was Salah, seen smacking the ground with frustration as Gibbs-White made it 2-2, who came to his side’s rescue. A sublime cross by Trent, side-footed in off the post once again putting Liverpool in front.

However, as has been Liverpool want this season, defensive frailty almost threw away the points. Forest contriving to hit the bar, after creating yet another chance from a long through. A tactic that had Liverpool in significant discomfort all afternoon, especially for Konate, who had a torrid afternoon, and at times appeared to be on the brink of repeating his error at Elland Road.

Yet, with no little good fortune, though with little solidity or composure, Milner & Diaz, both late substitutes, helped their team over the line. It’s three points that keep them hanging on to the coattails of fourth spot, but defending akin to today, at West Ham on Wednesday, will surely put an end to the outside hope of Champions League qualification.

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