'He has been': Liverpool told they had an 'outstanding' player during yesterday's draw with Forest

Today at 01:30 AM

Liverpool had to settle for a point against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

The Reds were undone a little by a poor first-half in which they gave up a goal all too easily to the in-form Chris Wood.

As they often have this season, though, Liverpool were much improved during the second-half.

Typically, Diogo Jota equalised with his first touch of the ball, while only an inspired performance from Matz Sels ultimately prevented the Reds from winning three enormous points.

And while some Liverpool players really struggled at the City Ground – notably Mohamed Salah – others stepped up to the plate to rescue what must be seen as a good point.

After his goal scoring heroics on the night, it was Jota who took most of the acclaim.

Diogo Jota hailed for ‘outstanding’ display

Liverpool could really have done with Jota starting on Tuesday. Luis Diaz has generally done well through the middle for Arne Slot, but this was not his night.

With Salah badly out of form and Cody Gakpo struggling to make an impact, the game was crying out for Jota.

Inevitably, it was the little Portuguese who made the difference for Liverpool, nodding home with his first touch of the game.

After that, Jota was unlucky to see Sels in such good form and the Forest ‘keeper kept out two more point blank efforts from Liverpool’s No.20.

READ MORE: Steve McManaman gobsmacked by 'ridiculous' Arne Slot decision during Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool

Taking to BBC Sport to add his two-pence during the game, pundit Clinton Morrison praised what he’d seen from Jota.

“He has been outstanding since he has come on, Diogo Jota,” says Morrison. “He could have had a hat-trick! That is a great save from Sels. He spreads and has to come out.”

Jota must be a starter moving forward

With Darwin Nunez out and Diaz struggling, it had to be Jota who made an impact at City Ground.

The 28-year-old has a great record against Forest and it was a little puzzling as to why Slot didn’t bring him on sooner than he did.

But with Jota showing that he can be the Reds difference maker in these tight games, the Liverpool head coach can’t ignore him any longer.

When Saturday at Brentford comes around, Jota has to be on the team sheet.