Jota rescues leaders Liverpool in Forest draw

Liverpool salvaged a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest as Diogo Jota’s equaliser rescued the Premier League leaders from a damaging defeat against their unexpected title rivals on Tuesday.

Arne Slot’s side were rocked by Chris Wood’s early opener for Forest, but Jota came off the bench to level in the second half of a pulsating clash.

Liverpool remain six points clear of Forest, who climb into second place above Arsenal before the Gunners face Tottenham on Wednesday.

After appearing set to win their first Premier League title since 2020 at a canter following their electric start to the season, Liverpool have suffered a mini blip with two successive draws in the top-flight.

Arsenal can take advantage of Liverpool’s wobble by closing the gap to four points if they win the north London derby, although the leaders will have a game in hand on Mikel Arteta’s men.

Liverpool have lost just once in 20 league games this season, their only defeat coming against Forest at Anfield in September.

But their 2-2 draw with lowly Manchester United and a 1-0 League Cup semi-final first-leg defeat at Tottenham had raised rare questions about Slot’s otherwise immaculate maiden campaign.

Saturday’s FA Cup rout of minnows Accrington Stanley restored order and although Liverpool left the City Ground without three points, Slot will take heart from a late rally that would have produced a victory but for Forest keeper Matz Sels.

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Forest’s remarkable run of six successive league wins prior to Liverpool’s visit had sparked claims they could emulate Leicester’s fairytale title triumph in 2016.

This impressive performance suggested that dream should not be completely discounted, even if