Liverpool’s goals all came from set-pieces, exposing some shocking Forest defending
Liverpool: Diogo Jota scored twice in a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, keeping Liverpool’s outside shot at Champions League football next season alive, while Aston Villa’s European charge stalled in a 1-1 draw at Brentford.
At the other end of the Premier League table, Leicester came from behind to beat Wolves 2-1, moving them out of the relegation zone.
Liverpool thrashed Leeds 6-1 on Monday to rekindle their hopes of finishing in the top four, but they had to work hard to overcome a Forest side that had only scored five away goals all season prior to their visit.
“Obviously, the most important thing in football is obviously our results and fighting through this situation today and getting three points,” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said.
“Just look in the locker room; the boys aren’t stupid – they know we weren’t perfect – but they’re really happy about that.” There are three critical points.”
Jota had not scored in over a year before scoring twice at Elland Road earlier this week, and he now has four goals in a week.
Liverpool’s goals all came from set-pieces, exposing some shocking Forest defending.
Jota put the Reds ahead twice in the second half, but Forest came back with deflected goals from Neco Williams and Morgan Gibbs-White.
The visitors, however, conceded twice within three minutes of equalizing, with Mohamed Salah sweeping home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick for the winner 20 minutes from time.
Liverpool climbs to seventh place, six points behind fourth-placed Newcastle, who hosts Tottenham on Sunday.
Forest sinks to the second bottom, one point from safety.
Villa are now unbeaten in nine games after rallying from a goal down to earn a point at Brentford.
Ivan Toney defeated Ollie Watkins in the race to replace Harry Kane as England’s number nine.
Toney scored his 20th goal of the season at the back post after a cross from Bryan Mbuemo.
However, three minutes from time, Douglas Luiz equalized to keep Villa in sixth place.
Is Leicester a watershed moment?
Leicester overcame the absence of James Maddison due to injury to secure a much-needed victory in Dean Smith’s first home game as manager.
The Foxes had a poor start, with Matheus Cunha blasting Wolves ahead.
But the game, and possibly Leicester’s season, was turned when Jamie Vardy was brought down by Jose Sa and Kelechi Iheanacho equalized from the spot eight minutes before halftime.
On 75 minutes, Timothy Castagne slotted home Victor Kristiansen’s cross for a priceless three points.
“Given our form, that will give everyone a big boost,” Smith said.
“Coming from behind, after conceding a goal due to another error, it’s very easy as a player to believe that everything is against you.” There have been many questions about our spirit, but I believe that (spirit) showed.”
Leicester’s victory pushed Everton into the relegation zone on goal difference, despite the Toffees’ 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace.
Mason Holgate was sent off 10 minutes from time, but Palace were unable to extend Roy Hodgson’s winning streak to four games since his return to the club.
Leeds are now just one point above the relegation zone after losing 2-1 at Fulham.
Javi Gracia’s decision to stick with under-fire goalkeeper Illan Meslier backfired, as the Frenchman was responsible for both of Fulham’s second-half goals, scored by Harry Wilson and Andreas Pereira.
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