Nottingham Forest secured a hard-fought draw against Liverpool in a match that some media outlets had hyped as a potential Premier League title decider.
That narrative seems exaggerated. While Forest have exceeded expectations this season, they remain six points behind Liverpool, who also have a game in hand under Arne Slot’s management.
Chris Wood, who scored Forest’s goal, drew praise from Slot ahead of the game. Wood has proven to be a reliable presence for Forest this season and is now just one goal away from matching his tally from last year.
Forest were also indebted to goalkeeper Matz Sels, whose impressive saves kept Liverpool at bay after they had equalized and seized control of the match. Liverpool looked the more likely side to secure a victory, but Forest’s resilience earned them a valuable point.
Despite the draw, the Forest squad didn’t appear overly disheartened. It’s no surprise, given that they’ve now taken four points from Liverpool this season and remain the only team to have beaten Slot’s side.
Ola Aina Reflects on Liverpool Draw
Forest’s team spirit was evident after the game. Unlike recent matches, there was no dancing or major celebration in the dressing room—showcasing the progress the team has made.
In the past, drawing with Liverpool might have been seen as a monumental achievement, but this time the reaction was more restrained. Ola Aina, reflecting on the match, shared his thoughts on Snapchat:
“I don’t know. Did Liverpool catch life? Or did we? Because they scored a lucky corner. But also they were letting off hella shots. But then again it was access denied for the man there. I’ll take the point. In one season we’ve stained four points from them lot, I don’t mind. Can’t lie as a team and club we’ve come far. Happy with the point but we came away from that feeling like we took an L, just goes to show.”
Ola Aina’s Performance and Future
Aina delivered another strong performance, starting at right-back with Neco Williams on the left. His recent displays suggest he has firmly established his place in the team.
The 28-year-old is in discussions over a new contract with Forest. While an appearance-based clause could automatically extend his deal by another year, the club is eager to secure him on a long-term agreement.
Currently in his prime, Aina is a vital player for Forest, and the club is keen to avoid losing him on a free transfer. With the transfer window open, overseas clubs are now eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with him for the summer.
Forest’s strong campaign has been bolstered by Aina’s contributions, both on and off the pitch. Securing his future remains a top priority as the club aims to build on its success and maintain its upward trajectory.
