Arne Slot ADMITS : IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO WIN FROM FOREST
"We couldn't ask for more," said manager Arne Slot after his Liverpool side drew 1-1 at Nottingham Forest. Liverpool remain comfortably leading the Premier League, while the draw helped Forest consolidate their position in the top four.
Nottingham Forest (right) consolidated their position in the top four after drawing 1-1 with Liverpool.
Surprisingly, this is quite unexpected for Forest, who finished 17th last season – just above the relegation zone. Forest had only just returned to the Premier League the previous season, and everyone assumed their most realistic goal this season was simply to avoid relegation. It's unlikely Forest will replicate Leicester's 2015-2016 season (a surprise Premier League title win). However, those who enjoy surprises in football can certainly expect a miracle from Nuno Espirito Santo's team this season: securing a Champions League spot.
On the one hand, Coach Slot asserted that a draw with Forest was already an achievement. According to Arne Slot, they were a very solid opponent, very difficult to play against, and always performed effectively at home. On the other hand, as Slot said before the match: the start of the second half of the season (i.e., now) is when observers can make the most accurate assessment of which teams are formidable, while assessments made at the beginning of the season are only of "illusory" value.
Everyone can see Liverpool's impressive strength this season – from the Premier League to the Champions League. Yet Forest has now taken 4 points (while Liverpool only have 1 point) in their two direct encounters with the league leaders. Forest is the only team to have beaten Liverpool in the Premier League. That is also the only league defeat for manager Arne Slot in 2024 (including his time managing Feyenoord and his move to Liverpool).
Always lead and play effectively.
"People play football, not money," said coach Nuno, referring to Forest's "meager" squad value. Goalkeeper Matz Sels, bought from Strasbourg a year ago for a mere £5 million, made numerous outstanding saves against Liverpool's formidable strikers. Striker Chris Wood, center-back Murillo, and full-back Ola Aina all played very well, despite never making a splash in the transfer market. Forest's starting lineup against Liverpool had a combined value of £110 million – equivalent to just one star player from other teams like Declan Rice (Arsenal), Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo (Chelsea), or Jack Grealish (Manchester City).
Nuno has successfully built a team-oriented style of play. Forest always starts with great enthusiasm and a strong fighting spirit. They frequently take the lead, and once Forest takes the lead, it's very difficult for their opponents to come back and win. In 21 matches played so far, Forest have opened the scoring in 16 games. They only lost once and were pegged back five times. Forest's playing style has absolutely no room for flair. They consistently keep possession and pass the ball very little, often ranking last in these two key technical statistics. However, Forest build up play very quickly and effectively whenever they have the ball. This is the number one team in the Premier League this season, considering the difference between actual goals and points compared to expected goals and points (xG and xP). No one else has achieved what Nuno's team has!
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tuyet-voi-nottingham-forest-185250116215503734.htm
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