Arne Slot has explained his frustrations at the referee and perceived Nottingham Forest play-acting as Liverpool dropped points in the title race.
The Reds fell at the City Ground after just 8 minutes when Chris Wood scored against the run of play, and struggled to create chances to make the most of the game until Diogo Jota equalized – scoring 22 seconds after coming on, and with his first touch – caused a delayed, although fruitless, demonstration.
This leaves Liverpool struggling for the second game in a row and gives rivals Arsenal the chance to go the distance if they beat their north London rivals Tottenham on Wednesday night.
Slot was seen tapping his watch during the match and advised the injured Forest players to waste time in the closing stages.
“I couldn’t have asked for more,” Slot told TNT Sports. “The functionality at this time was exceptional. There are many groups that can create so many opportunities as opposed to a team that is so strong defensively.
“I said after the United game that every time you have the ball, you have to go over 11 players. That’s also his strong point.
“So first you have to protect it, which is quite difficult because of all those fast wingers, and then you have to win the second ball. And if you win the second ball, they just go back to the low block with 11 players. ” around the penalty area.
“It’s so hard for every team to create here. That’s why I was so happy with our second-half performance because it was just one chance after another if we played.
“There was also a lot of moments where it took a while before the play restarted.”
When asked to elaborate, Slot continued: “You bet as long as possible, but betting against a team that is satisfied with the existing result requires less possible playing time.
“There were, for example, occasions when [players] fell to the ground without any head injury, the referee blew the whistle and they didn’t even care.
“Those are moments where you look and say, ‘Okay, maybe this is what they want, so let’s check it out. ‘
“But yes, we didn’t draw because of that. Nottingham Forest can boast of a very intelligent game, they defended it very well and we can come back from a fairly intelligent second half.
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