Arne Slott praised Liverpool’s “excellent” second half that earned them a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.

The Premier League leaders maintained their six-point lead at the top of the table, with Diogo Jota coming off the bench to deny the hosts to cut the gap at the top to just three after Chris Wood’s early opener.

Liverpool struggled to break down a stubborn Forest display for the best part of an hour, but a much-improved performance after Jota’s introduction saw the spoils shared.

Slott told TNT Sports: “Their goalkeeper had to make some incredible saves but their defenders also made some good blocks with few chances. They blocked almost every shot.

“I couldn’t have asked for more. The second half was brilliant. There aren’t many teams that can create that many chances against a defensively strong opponent. Unfortunately we didn’t get a second.

“You need to get a little lucky with that (substitution).

“We took out Ibou (Konate) at that moment who is usually a big threat at set pieces but we all know Jota can score goals and Smikas has a good delivery. We brought them to score but they actually did it after 20 seconds.”

Jota: ‘A good point but we need three’

Jota’s close-range header from a corner was assisted by fellow substitute Kostas Tsimikas, with the duo contributing bowling after coming forward.

The Portuguese forward said: “We were watching the cup goal (FA Cup in 2023) a few years ago where he (Simikas) gave it to me and so when we were on the touchline we said: ‘Let’s go now and do it again. , you take the corner.’ And that was a goal.

“It was one of those occasions where everything went right. But like I said I’m not happy because I think we could have won.

On their lead at the top, which remains six points, Jota said: “It’s a long way to go in the Premier League. Every field you go is difficult. That’s one more point but we wanted three.

Sales: Still draw good results

Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels earned plenty of deserved plaudits after making a number of fantastic saves to keep the Tricky Trees in the game.

The Belgian stopper said: “It was fantastic with all the supporters behind us. A point is a good result for us in the end. Of course, we wanted to win, but I think a point against them is a good result.

“There was a lot more space between the lines in the second half and Liverpool had a few big chances. If you are realistic, you have to say that one point is a good result for us.

“I am there to help the team in difficult moments. In the second half, they had many great chances in the last 20-25 minutes. Everyone fought for it till the last second. I am really happy for the team and also that we did not lose because it gives us confidence for the next match.

“Pre-season we needed to get 40 points as quickly as possible. With 17 games left, we have 41 so we can look a little higher. If you want to finish in the top four or top five, you have to put teams like Aston Villa, Man City and Newcastle behind you.”

Goalscorer Jota, who was denied several times by Sels after his goal, said of the goalkeeper’s performance: “I was just saying that to my former coach at Wolves. He made two or three great saves. You want to do better but he was good too.