In two encounters with this unexpected Premier League contender, the leaders have managed to snag just one point, following a 1-1 draw at Forest’s lively City Ground on Tuesday.
So far this season, Liverpool has only suffered one loss in 20 games, and that was a 1-0 defeat at home to Forest back in September.
Fast forward four months, and Diogo Jota made an impact by scoring with a header from a corner in the 66th minute, just 22 seconds after coming off the bench. This goal secured a draw for Liverpool, keeping their six-point lead over Forest, who has surprisingly climbed to second place in their quest for a Champions League spot. Who knows what else might happen?
Forest was on track to achieve an unexpected home-and-away double against Arne Slot’s squad after their top scorer, Chris Wood, found the net in the eighth minute.
Liverpool ramped up the pressure in the closing stages but once again couldn’t get the better of Forest, a team that started the season looking more likely to fight against relegation than to challenge for the title.
“Before the season we needed to get as quickly as possible to 40 points,” Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels said, referring to the total that typically is enough to guarantee safety. “With 17 games to go, we have got 41 so we can look a little bit higher.”
The supporters of Forest created an electrifying atmosphere at the City Ground, which has not experienced such vibrancy in decades. The club appears to be experiencing a resurgence reminiscent of its glory days when it secured consecutive European championships under the legendary manager Brian Clough in 1979 and 1980.
Liverpool currently holds a game in hand over Forest, maintaining a favorable position in the pursuit of a record-equalling 20th English league title. Arsenal sits in third place, just one point behind, and has the opportunity to reduce the gap to Liverpool to four points if they secure a victory against Tottenham in the upcoming north London derby on Wednesday.
“If we continue bringing performances like in the second half today,” Slot said, “then we will not always be that unlucky that it ends with a draw.”
Manchester City's Vulnerability Resurfaces
Manchester City displayed their late-game vulnerabilities once again, allowing a two-goal advantage to slip away in a 2-2 draw against Brentford.
The team conceded goals in the 82nd minute and again in stoppage time, despite Phil Foden's two goals for the struggling champions, who are currently fighting for a spot in the Champions League this season.
Before their recent victories against Leicester and West Ham, City had managed only one win in nine matches, which saw them fall out of the Champions League qualification spots. During that challenging period, they conceded two late goals in a loss to Manchester United and squandered a three-goal lead in a 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League.
"We need to manage our games a bit more effectively," said City manager Pep Guardiola, "but today wasn't too bad."
Brentford's goals came from Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard, leaving City in sixth place.
Dramatic Equalizer for Chelsea
Chelsea managed to secure a 2-2 draw at home against Bournemouth, thanks to a free kick from Reece James in the fifth minute of stoppage time, but their winless streak in the league has now reached five matches.
Cole Palmer opened the scoring for Chelsea with a clever finish in the 13th minute, marking his 14th goal of the season. However, Bournemouth quickly equalized when Antoine Semenyo won a penalty, which was converted by Justin Kluivert, followed by a powerful finish from Semenyo in the 68th minute.
Chelsea remains in fourth place, at least until fifth-place Newcastle plays on Wednesday.
Potter’s first win
Graham Potter achieved his inaugural victory as West Ham's manager, leading his team to a 3-2 triumph over Fulham.
In the first half, Carlos Soler and Tomas Soucek found the net, followed by Lucas Paqueta, who scored the pivotal third goal for West Ham. Potter was appointed last week to succeed the dismissed Julen Lopetegui.
His debut match ended in a loss against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday.
Fulham's Alex Iwobi netted both of their goals, narrowing the score to 2-1 and later to 3-2.
With this win, West Ham has established a 10-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Orient set for City in FA Cup
Leyton Orient prepares to face Manchester City in the FA Cup after securing a fourth-round spot by defeating Derby 6-5 in a penalty shootout.