Latest Nottingham Forest news: Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds are beaten 1-0 by Liverpool at the City Ground.
Emotions were high following Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 defeat at home to Liverpool.
The Reds appeared to be on track to capture a well-deserved point at the City Ground. Their failure to capitalize on opportunities against the league leaders should have been their only source of frustration.
However, the visitors secured all three points in extra time thanks to a Darwin Nunez goal in dubious circumstances. Forest were furious because they did not get the ball back despite having possession when play was halted for a possible head injury. Instead, referee Paul Tierney restarted the game with the ball at Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s feet, and Jurgen Klopp’s team later scored from a corner.
It resulted in chaotic situations towards the end of the game. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stood on the sideline and attempted to speak with Tierney in the tunnel; coach Steven Reid was issued a red card, and unused substitute Felipe was booked. Here’s what Nuno Espirito Santo had to say after the final whistle.
Regarding referee Tierney and the winner…
“I won’t remark on the referee. Let’s talk about the game.
“We have repeatedly discussed refereeing. I hope the decisions are better. Let us move forward.”
Regarding Forest’s frustrations…
“Because we played an excellent game. We limited Liverpool, a fantastic squad with talented players and an excellent manager.
“They had chances, and so did we. It was an enjoyable game of football.
“We had apparent opportunities to perform better. This problem repeats itself: we play well, but we should have been more clinical, and we can’t score. In the final action of the game, we must make better decisions to clear the ball.
“It was a difficult week for us because we were repeating the situation of not taking chances and eventually being punished, which is difficult to accept. I’m proud of the boys because they worked hard, collaborated, and performed well. They aided each other, covered, did two-on-ones, defended the box, and did everything brilliantly till the very end.
“If you want me to say we should improve, then we should. How can we improve? By committing to be better in training and then trying to accomplish it on the field.”
Regarding Anthony Elanga’s lost chances…
“Not only that, but it was the final pass at the right time. We will attempt to improve. We will practice on the training ground until we get it properly.”
He expressed his satisfaction with the players’ execution of the plan.
“We did an excellent job of limiting Liverpool. We controlled the middle of the park, always protecting ourselves on the triangles and flanks, with the wingers assisting the fullbacks and controlling the box. When we had the ball, the goal was to move forward. We had some space.
“Anthony (Elanga)’s idea is clear: take advantage of his quickness. It may have occurred.
“Then we switched to Taiwo (Awoniyi) to get a little more assistance and went. We worked hard and played some fantastic football, but we got nothing out of today’s game.
“It’s difficult to take. We go home, recuperate, and then work harder because our supporters deserve to return home pleased after a day like today, which they do not. We’ll try.”
Regarding Nicolas Dominguez’s knockout…
“I hope he’s okay. He stated he was becoming tight. Hopefully, it is not serious.”
