Nottingham Forest

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Nottingham Forest have taken four points from Liverpool this season and that is not something to be underestimated.

Last season they were in a relegation fight and there were a lot of disagreements about refereeing decisions and it seemed quite unsettled. This season, there is a massive belief within the players and the fans that they can do something special. That comes from Nuno Espirito Santo.

You cannot say the title race is over in January as that is disrespectful to the teams around Liverpool, but they are the only team I can see being champions in May.

As for Forest, if they continue the way they are doing, then a European spot is achievable and that would be fantastic for the club. I think a lot of people forget about Forest's European Cup-winning history, so there is hope that Nuno can bring that back for the fans and the club.

Chris Wood has particularly impressed me. He is there for Forest when they need him and his goal against Liverpool showed me how high in confidence he is.

It was a brilliant piece of play from Anthony Elanga and Wood managed to apply a clinical finish on his weaker foot to get it past a world-class goalkeeper in Alisson. That is a really positive sign from a striker.

There is a real togetherness around Forest at the moment, so now it is just about continuing their hard work and enjoying it.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

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• Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth

• Nottingham Forest 1-1 Liverpool

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Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Winger Anthony Elanga insisted Liverpool were "there for the taking" and Nottingham Forest missed their chance to beat the leaders after a pulsating 1-1 draw at The City Ground.

Tuesday's result kept Forest six points behind Liverpool but extended their unbeaten run to seven games in the Premier League.

Elanga set up Chris Wood's early opener - the striker's 13th goal of the season - before Diogo Jota equaliser after the break, just 22 seconds after coming on as a substitute.

"It feels like a loss - it was there for the taking but we will build on this and I feel like this mentality shows how far we have come," he said, with Forest having beaten Liverpool at Anfield in September.

"I feel like Liverpool were aware of us. They were sitting back a little bit and I think we just need to try and keep the ball more.

"There were loads of opportunities to do that instead of the centre-backs lumping it forward, to slow the game down a little bit.

"We are still learning. It is a decent point.

Forest now host bottom side Southampton on Sunday after just missing out on equalling a club record seven straight league victories, which was set in 1922. Elanga believes Forest need to learn from this to have the mentality to win every game.

"One hundred percent," he said. "I feel like if you have this you'll go really far.

"We didn't have [this mentality] last season, when we probably would have taken a draw. This season, things have changed and we approach games wanting to win them now.

"Teams are aware of us now and know we aren't going to settle for a point."

Nottingham Forest moved up to second with the draw against Liverpool and there has been so much talk about their excellent goalkeeper, iron-clad defence and the prolific Chris Wood.

However, you know your club best - so we need you to tell us the one thing that no-one is talking about at Nottingham Forest but really should be?

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Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Ex-Nottingham Forest defender Wes Morgan believes current boss Nuno Espirito Santo has similarities to his title-winning Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri in how they take the heat off their players - despite their vastly different styles.

Italian Ranieri grabbed the headlines by comparing his side to the Royal Air Force because of their speed in attack and his 'dilly ding, dilly dong' phrase when ringing an imaginary bell to keep his players focused.

At Christmas 2015, he bought the squad and staff bells as a joke. Forest boss Nuno has a different style, preferring to play their situation down and refusing to engage about the club's title chances.

But Morgan feels both styles are able to aid the players, as shown by Nuno leading Forest to second in the Premier League.

"I'm not sure if Nuno has got those one liners that Claudio liked to say," Morgan said. "He comes across as very calm - I'd say probably a bit quiet and does his job.

"He's a very focused character that will do the job and is not really going to be too outspoken in that sense, where, Claudio was a media favourite because of his one-liners and his character in interviews. He would always take the headlines."

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

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Nottingham Forest's solid defence this season was on display once again on Tuesday evening, providing the foundation for an excellent performance in a 1-1 draw with league leaders Liverpool.

Forest had just 29% possession and produced 0.39 expected goals to their opponent's 1.95 but still emerged with a deserved point.

Co-commentator on TNT Sport's live broadcast of the match Steve McManaman was torn between awarding the player-of-the-match award to central defender Murillo or goalkeeper Mats Sels.

Sels made a string of fine saves but McManaman ended up opting for Murillo who made 17 clearances - the most blocks or clearances made by a player in a Premier League match since the 2016-17 season.

Sels himself now has a save percentage of 75.9% - the second-most in the division behind Bournemouth's Mark Travers who has only made five appearances - and his 63 saves is fifth among the league's goalkeepers.

His nine clean sheets continues to be the best in the league above David Raya and Jordan Pickford on seven. Forest fan Sarah Brown perhaps summed it up when she told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast that Sels has been "the best keeper in the Premier League this season".

The rest of Nuno Espirito Santo's backline also play their part with right-back Ola Aina making a vital goal line clearance late on and Murillo's central defensive partner Nikola Milenkovic typically winning all three of his aerial duels.

Meanwhile, Neco Williams was his usual energetic self to keep Mohamed Salah in check on a big night for him personally against the team he joined as a six-year-old in 2007.

Forest have now stopped the opposition from scoring a first-half goal in 15 of their 21 games, more than any other team in the Premier League this season. This illustrate how they lay solid foundations in how they start matches.

Saveena Johal
Fan writer

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The Forest-Liverpool fixture is etched into our history. Thankfully, this season has given us a worthy shot at rediscovering the glory days - including going head to head with Liverpool once again.

Last night, the City Ground lights provided a perfect backdrop to revel in and revive our rivalry. Although the pressure was largely on the current league leaders, there is a different form of pressure on us. After all, having beaten them at Anfield this season and - given our current form - what was stopping us?

The match itself did not disappoint. Matz Sels proved his worth as the best keeper in the Premier League, and Neco Williams kept Mohamed Salah at bay for the whole match.

That's without even touching on Elliot Anderson, Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic.

Coming away from this season's games with Liverpool unbeaten and with our heads held high is a strong statement. Gaining another point from them helps with momentum, especially as they are likely the strongest team we will face this campaign.

Being second in the league feels surreal but, then again, perhaps it should not given the work rate and talent in the squad.

For now, we're largely focused on enjoying the ride without pressure. Securing Champions League football feels like a realistic aim, but celebrating the performances and successes of recent months feels sweeter than we could have imagined this time last season.

There are no limits to what we can achieve.

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Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison believes Nottingham Forest "will finish in the Champions League spots" after holding Liverpool to a draw on Tuesday.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side are the only team to beat the leaders in the league this season and proved to be stubborn challengers again.

"Nottingham Forest have definitely got title ambitions," said Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "To hold the best team in the league is a fantastic result.

"Liverpool came on strong in the last 10 minutes and you have to stick together. To get four points off the team who are probably going to win the league is brilliant.

"It tells us that the title race is still open and other teams will struggle here [at The City Ground].

"Off the evidence shown in that game, Forest will finish in the Champions League spots."

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We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.

Here are some of your comments:

Forest fans

Peter: Superb in the first half, wilted in the second versus a relentless Liverpool team. Shame it was such a soft goal to concede but a draw is certainly decent. Superb atmosphere as well.

John: Outstanding organisation, effort and flair in attack. There are so many key players all playing for each other. Elliot Anderson is a bit of an unsung hero. Don't know why Newcastle let him go but thank you!

Doug: A good result for both teams. In a strange way, as a Forest fan, it is a new era feeling a bit disappointed not coming away with the win. Well done, you Reds.

Liverpool fans

Ken: Slot has done very little wrong since taking the helm, but while he prefers a more measured approach, it is repeatedly throwing up these tepid first halves. The tempo is woefully slow and the passing laborious. It allows the opposition to stay compact. Credit for the eventual changes in the second half, which paid instant dividends and completely changed the flow of the game.

Yusuf: It was a game that was a tactical battle in the first half and an absolute cracker in the second. We knew that it would be difficult to score, but our build-up play was good. Wasn't to be Mohamed Salah or Luis Diaz's day, but a step in the right direction. Being able to not get beaten, even if it is a draw, has set Liverpool apart from others this season, particularly against the teams near us at the top. A well-deserved draw for both teams in the end.

Lewis: The games are getting harder week by week. I don't think it was great but another hard-won point. I'd give 7/10 for the performance.

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Nottingham Forest are not going away. A night under the lights at the City Ground should disprove any remaining doubters.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side went toe-to-toe with leaders Liverpool to justify their second place in the Premier League.

They are Liverpool's nearest challengers - before Arsenal's north London derby with Tottenham on Wednesday - and while Nuno will always look to keep a lid on expectations his side show no signs of stopping.

The City Ground erupted after Chris Wood's opener - which came against the run of play - but still encapsulated the clinical nature of Forest this season.

They then dug in and relentlessly fought for every inch. The hosts may have needed three superb Matz Sels saves to keep their point but they were brave, with defender Murillo also excellent, and underlined why they have one of the best defences in the division.

There was a tinge of disappointment from the hosts at the point, which shows the standards set this season and the potential trajectory of the squad.

Forest remain the only team to beat Liverpool this season in the Premier League and Arne Slot's side will be glad to see the back of them.

While Liverpool will take some stopping, Forest are in title contention because they are just six points behind with over half the season done.

Even if the trophy is out of reach, a place in the Champions League remains well within their grasp.

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Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo, talking to TNT Sports: "It was a good game. It was entertaining.

"First half I think we were organised and didn't allow too many situations. The second half was like ping pong and that is when Liverpool become stronger, when they have space and with the speed and talent they have it is very dangerous.

"I am very proud of the team for the way they worked and ran, especially up and down and the sprints to recover and the desire to attack."

On Chris Wood's goal: "It was a beautiful finish. It was clinical. It was good."

On the equaliser: "When Liverpool made the changes, we were also about to make a change. Credit to Liverpool, they had a lot of chances."

On Matz Sels: "He is in a good moment. He is full of confidence and he is keeping us in games. We are very thankful."

On the support: "It is amazing. Today they helped us defend. We didn't have the ball for so much time and they kept supporting us realising how tough the opponent is. The support in the last seven minutes felt like they were giving extra runs to our players."

On being second: "Of course we are satisfied. Especially because of the way the players work. I am so proud. We keep going. We want to enjoy the moment and we are competing very well."

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Anthony Elanga assisted Chris Wood for the eighth time in the Premier League - the most one player has assisted another for Nottingham Forest in the competition.

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Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels, speaking to TNT Sports: "One point is a good result for us. Before the game there was a lot of talk from everyone about 'if we win or if we lose' but this was a good scenario for us. We scored a quick goal but then we know it is a small advantage.

"In the second half we knew they would have more spaces between the lines. They are a very good team, they use that space and created a lot of chances. We are happy with the point and are looking forward to Sunday."

On his personal performance: "First half I did not have a lot of work but always against these teams there are a few moments. In the last 20-25 minutes they had quite a few chances. It is important for me to be there to help the team to stay in the game.

"In the end everyone could see that people had cramps and pains which shows that everybody fought for it and we deserved the point. We need to continue looking forward."

On the talk around the team: "We are of course enjoying it. We had just won six times in a row, which is something positive. We need to enjoy these moments.

"We said before the season that if we took 40 points as quick as possible that would be great and we are now on 41 with 17 games to go. We can now aim a little higher and see where we end up by the end of the season."

On challenging for the title: "We are not talking about this. We want to finish as high as possible in the league. A lot of people before the season said we would play against relegation so we need to enjoy the good momentum we are in. We take it game by game."

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There are four Premier League fixtures on Tuesday and we will bring you every moment.

• Brentford v Man City - listen on the BBC Sport website and app

• West Ham v Fulham - listen on the BBC Sport website and app

• Chelsea v Bournemouth - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Nottingham Forest v Liverpool (20:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 19:30 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

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"If tonight goes our way, people might start to think differently."

Nottingham Forest fan Ben Marshall says the club's supporters have been coy about thinking their side is in the title race - but accepts that could change quickly.

"We've got to be realistic," he told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast. "Tonight is a really tough test - it all still feels quite frankly surreal.

"You talk about a top of the table Premier League clash and then you realise it's us - it's fantastic.

"The whole city is excited - we're just enjoying the ride. European football is something we're absolutely in the frame for but we've got our feet on the ground.

"To suggest we're on for a title push is probably a little too soon, but if tonight goes our way, people might start to think differently."

On the other side of the game, Liverpool fan John Gibbons from The Anfield Wrap agreed on its importance and says there is "respect" for the challenge Forest will pose.

"We found them really tough to play against at Anfield and last year was similar," he said. "Arne Slot was surprised earlier in the season that they lost, and I think Liverpool will have a lot more respect for them.

"It's a massive game for us and a big opportunity, if we can win the top of the table looks even better from a Liverpool point of view."

"I'm happy to put my neck on the line and say a Liverpool win. This team normally comes good on the big nights and it's a big one tonight.

"I think Liverpool will win 2-1."

Listen to full commentary of tonight's game from 20:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 Live

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Former Nottingham Forest player and manager Martin O'Neill says qualifying for the Champions League will become a "distinct possibility" for his former side if they beat Liverpool in Tuesday's Premier League game at the City Ground.

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster, O'Neill said the absence of Manchester United and Tottenham in the upper echelons of the table strengthens Forest's chances.

"When they are so far adrift at this moment, then you have to start believing if you're a Forest fan that European football, maybe top six, is certainly a possibility," said O'Neill, a two-time European Cup winner with Forest.

"If they happen to win at home tonight, Champions League football, daft as it may seem or daft as it may have seemed at the start of the season, is a distinct possibility.

"They are sitting there after 20 games with 40 points. They've got more points now than they had all of last season. It's been a terrific achievement."

Having left Forest in 1981, O'Neill returned in 2019 when he was appointed manager. However, he was sacked after just five months.

"I wasn't there long enough to put the shoes into the room," he recalled. "I was there for 19 games. Strangely enough we won the last three games.

"I came in a January period [but] I didn't spend a penny on a player. I wish now Mr [Evangelos] Maranakis, having forked out in the region of £400m the last couple of years, might have minded about 30 bob to buy a centre-half. It didn't materialise.

"It was 19 games - I wish I hadn't bothered."

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton "can't see Liverpool slipping up" in the title race if they are able to win at third-placed Nottingham Forest later.

Forest are still the only side to beat Liverpool in the league this season, and Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club: "It will be the same approach - they'll look to frustrate Liverpool.

"I think Nottingham Forest will get something from this.

"The danger for Liverpool is that last season the wheels fell off late on, but this is a big test.

"If they go there and win - and win well - then I can't see them slipping up."

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