Nottingham Forest delivered a resilient and inspired performance to hold league leaders Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at the City Ground. The result was a testament to their defensive organization, sharp attacking play, and goalkeeping brilliance, with Matz Sels emerging as the undisputed hero of the evening.
In the build-up to the game, there was significant excitement among Forest supporters, as a victory would have seen their team close the gap on Liverpool to just three points. Under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest approached the game with determination, knowing they had the quality and form to trouble their high-flying opponents.
The hosts made an electric start, seizing on an uncharacteristic error from Liverpool in midfield. Anthony Elanga’s perfectly timed through ball found in-form Chris Wood in stride. The striker, who has been Forest’s talisman this season, made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball past Alisson Becker to give Forest an early lead. It was Wood’s 13th goal of the campaign, further cementing his status as one of the Premier League’s most clinical forwards.
Liverpool, however, grew into the game and began to exert their dominance, particularly in the second half. Arne Slot’s side created a flurry of chances, but they were met time and time again by an unyielding Forest defense and an inspired Matz Sels. The Belgian goalkeeper was in sensational form, making a string of jaw-dropping saves to deny Liverpool’s attacking stars. Sels’ most notable interventions included stopping point-blank efforts from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah, keeping his team in the game against the relentless waves of Liverpool attacks.
Forest’s defenders also played a crucial role, throwing themselves in front of shots and making key blocks to frustrate Liverpool’s usually lethal frontline. Despite the home side’s best efforts, Liverpool eventually found an equalizer when Jota headed home from a well-taken corner. It ended Forest’s remarkable seven-hour streak without conceding a goal, but the hosts refused to be rattled and continued to defend resolutely.
After the match, Arne Slot expressed admiration for Forest’s defensive performance, singling out Sels for particular praise. Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “Their goalkeeper had to make a few incredible saves, but their defenders also made some good blocks. We created so many chances in the second half, but they blocked almost every shot. I couldn’t have asked for more from my players. There aren’t many teams that can create so many chances against such a defensively strong opponent. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get a second.”
Sels’ heroics did not go unnoticed by his teammates either. Chris Wood, who had opened the scoring for Forest, was full of praise for the goalkeeper, calling him the best in the Premier League this season. “Selsy has been undoubtedly the best ‘keeper in the league so far this season, and he will continue to be that all year,” said Wood. “We all have the belief in him, and the two center-backs also deserve the praise they’re getting. Together, they’ve been outstanding.”
Sels joined Forest permanently in the summer for a modest £5 million from Strasbourg, after impressing during a loan spell last season. While his performances have gone under the radar for much of this campaign, he now leads the league with nine clean sheets—a remarkable achievement for a player who wasn’t initially seen as one of the marquee signings of the summer. His display against Liverpool was a reminder of his quality and a signal that he deserves to be mentioned among the Premier League’s elite goalkeepers.
For Forest, the result was about more than just a point. It was a statement of intent and a reminder that they are not to be underestimated in this year’s Premier League race. Their ability to go toe-to-toe with a team of Liverpool’s caliber speaks volumes about the progress they’ve made under Nuno Espírito Santo. With Chris Wood leading the line and Matz Sels anchoring their defense, Forest have the tools to challenge some of the league’s biggest teams.
As the season progresses, performances like these will only fuel belief among Forest fans that their team can achieve something special. For now, they sit just a few points off the summit, buoyed by the knowledge that they can compete with the very best.