- Liverpool drew 1-1 with Forest with Jota scoring just 22 seconds after coming on
- Coach Arne Slot reflects on the fundamental changes after the match
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If Liverpool's draw at Nottingham Forest ends up being crucial in the Premier League title race, then Arne Slot can pat himself on the back with an inspired substitution.
Only 22 seconds passed after he introduced Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota before the latter headed in the former's cross from a corner, both with their first touch.
The Reds were 1-0 down from the eighth minute after Chris Wood beat Alisson at a boisterous City Ground on Tuesday night.
And the night seemed marked by frustration until the 66th minute, when Jota headed his eighth goal of the season.
It was Liverpool's fastest substitute goal in the Premier League since records began in 2006-07.
'You have to have a bit of luck with that (substitutes). We eliminated Ibou (Konate) at that moment, who is normally a big threat on set pieces, but we all know that Jota can score a goal and Tsimi has a good delivery,” Slot said at the end of the match.
The addition of Diogo Jota (right) and Kostas Tsimikas (left) turned out to be inspired by Arne Slot
Jota headed home the equalizer from a Tsimikas corner against Nottingham Forest just 22 seconds after the two came on.
Liverpool manager Slot insisted it was only luck that his substitution had paid off to secure a draw.
“We brought them in to score a goal, but they really did it after 20 seconds.
'I couldn't ask for more. Excellent second part. “Not many teams can create chances against a team that is so strong defensively.”
Jota has often had to settle for a place on the bench due to the synergy between Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Slot's chosen striker, Luis Diaz.
But Jota has consistently contributed and put pressure on Díaz, who could have scored in the first half but was tackled by Forest defender Murillo.
Liverpool scored seven times, but Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels prevented them.
The result means Liverpool maintain their six-point lead over Forest.
Few fans were surprised by the development of the match, in which Nuno Espirito Santo's team absorbed the pressure for much of the match.
The hosts were content to have just 29 per cent of the ball and had just six shots to Liverpool's 23, but Wood was clinical as he has been all season.
Wood has now scored 13 goals, just one shy of his best top-flight tally of 14, which he achieved once with Burnley and Forest.