EPL: Slot calls it ‘luck,’ but Jota sees it as inevitable after historic Liverpool impact vs Forest
Liverpool’s draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground had a dramatic turning point, courtesy of Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas.
Manager Arne Slot’s decision to introduce the duo in the 66th minute instantly paid off, leading to Liverpool’s equalizer just 22 seconds after their arrival on the pitch.
Trailing to Chris Wood’s first-half goal, Slot made a bold double substitution, bringing on Tsimikas for Andrew Robertson and Jota for Ibrahima Konate.
As fate—or strategy—would have it, Tsimikas delivered a pinpoint corner, which Jota headed home in their very first touches, marking Liverpool’s fastest Premier League goal by a substitute since 2006.
Diogo Jota celebrating his goal – Getty image
Reflecting on the rapid impact, Jota dismissed notions of pure luck, highlighting their preparedness.
“We were watching an old goal where Tsimikas assisted me, and I told him on the touchline, ‘Let’s recreate it.’ It was one of those moments where everything aligned,” he said.
However, Jota admitted disappointment that Liverpool couldn’t secure all three points, praising Forest goalkeeper Sels for two crucial saves.
Slot, however, downplayed the tactical brilliance of the change, attributing it partially to fortune.
“You need a bit of luck with that. We brought them on to make an impact, and they did within 20 seconds. But sometimes it just works out this way,” the Liverpool boss said.
Despite Jota’s equalizer and his game-high three shots on target, Liverpool couldn’t find a winner in the final 24 minutes.
