If matches ended after 45 minutes, this list might be blank. After conceding within the first 10 minutes and struggling to break down Forest’s stubborn low block for the next 35, Liverpool’s first-half performance was sluggish, uninspired, and devoid of creativity.
However, a strong second half and a game-changing substitution injected new life into Liverpool’s attack, salvaging a point for the Reds against a Forest side that increasingly looks more like title contender than pretender with each match they play.
Here are Liverpool’s three best performers from the intense and overall deserved draw.
3. Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool, infamous for conceding early and often first last season, saw that bad habit resurface on Tuesday.
On Chris Wood’s opening goal, Ibrahima Konaté and Trent Alexander-Arnold—both of whose recent defensive lapses have been under scrutiny—were caught out of position, giving one of the Premier League’s most in-form strikers the opportunity to capitalize.
But in a game in which Konaté and Trent yet again made critical mistakes, Virgil van Dijk looked like a brick wall at the back per usual.
The Liverpool captain delivered another reliable performance, finishing as the team leader in passes completed (66) and duels won (7).
Van Dijk wasn’t merely collecting stats by passing around the back either; he also showcased his deft distribution skills, completing four accurate long balls—a commendable contribution for a defensive-minded center back.
In the 21st minute, with Liverpool already trailing 1-0, a scramble which saw the ball bouncing off several heads unfolded inside the box. Virgil, displaying cool composure, calmly headed the ball back to Alisson to dispel the Forest attack.
It seemed effortless, but it would be easy to get that wrong and steer it away for a corner or, even worse, an own goal. Few defenders in world football possess the poise and awareness to execute a precise play under pressure in such a confined space.
Liverpool’s defense certainly tightened up in the second half, but van Dijk deserves credit for both his imposing play and his leadership which kept the team in the game after an early folly.
2. Kostas Tsimikas
The Greek Scouser made an immediate, crucial impact after replacing Andy Robertson in the 66th minute.
With his first touch of the game, Tsimikas delivered a superb corner that was driven home to level the score at 1-1.
Liverpool’s overall futility from set pieces throughout the match were a source of frustration, particularly given their nine corners to Forest’s none and their lack of production from free kicks.
However, Tsimikas’ pinpoint delivery from the corner rescued the Reds, preventing a disastrous outcome and earned him his first Premier League assist of the season in the process.
He ended up without the ball on his foot for the majority of the time he remained on the pitch, but Tsimikas completed 100% of the few passes he needed to complete.
But one kick of the ball is sometimes significant enough to crack a list like this–and that’s the case for Kostas tonight.
With Andy Robertson struggling this season and Tsimikas’ immediate positive contribution today, is it time that the Greek Scouser gets more starts in the Premier League for Liverpool?
1. Diogo Jota
It’s quite simple: Diogo Jota must start when he is fully fit.
Much has been said of Liverpool’s need for a reliable, clinical center forward, given Darwin Núñez’s inconsistent finishing and Arne Slot’s occasional decision to deploy Luis Díaz out of his preferred position on the wing.
But time and time again, Jota has proven himself as the epitome of composure and precision in front of goal.
Liverpool’s super-sub only needed 22 seconds after coming on to head home the equalizing goal, barely getting his footing into the game before finding the back of the net.
Of Jota's five goals this season, three have come as a substitute. Although his recent muscle injury kept him out of six Premier League matches and have limited his starts, one can only imagine how many more he might score when 100% fit and ready for increased minutes.
On a night when Mo Salah’s first touches were off and the Egyptian was thwarted by multiple brilliant saves and goal-line clearances, Jota seized his opportunity, once again proving his vital presence in the team.
In addition to scoring the equalizer, Jota dazzled with the ball on his feet, cleverly dribbling past Murillo (who has been excellent for Forest this season) in the 70th minute, only to be denied a potential winner by Sels.
He had another chance to win the game in the 77th minute when the ball fell to his feet in Forest’s box, but once again, Sels was quick to react, parrying the shot away.
There is no doubt that the Portuguese was Liverpool’s best player from getting brought on all the way to the final whistle, and hopefully he is able to see more and more of the pitch as the season progresses.