Liverpool has been accused of employing ‘underhanded tactics’ and an ‘unfair strategy’ against Nottingham Forest, which some believe ‘requires addressing.’
Liverpool has faced criticism for employing an ‘unfair tactic’ during their Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.
In Tuesday night’s game, Liverpool dropped two crucial points, settling for a 1-1 draw at the City Ground against an in-form Forest side.
Chris Wood opened the scoring for Forest in the eighth minute, assisted by Anthony Elanga. Liverpool responded in the second half when Diogo Jota headed in a corner from Kostas Tsimikas in the 66th minute. Despite the draw, Liverpool maintains a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Arsenal, however, have an opportunity to narrow the gap to four points if they defeat Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett scrutinized Jota’s equalizer, highlighting what he deemed an unfair tactic. Hackett pointed out that Cody Gakpo’s positioning next to Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels impeded the keeper’s ability to clear the ball effectively.
Hackett explained to Football Insider: “One of the current ‘dark arts’ in football involves attackers positioning themselves near the goalkeeper to disrupt their movement. While no player owns any space on the pitch, this tactic places pressure on goalkeepers.”
He added that VAR was unlikely to overturn the goal and suggested that goalkeeping coaches should develop strategies to counteract such tactics. Hackett concluded: “Looking at the replays, VAR wouldn’t have intervened. The goalkeeper should have been more assertive, but it was a good goal.”
After the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot shared his thoughts: “I couldn’t have asked for more today. People focus on the second half, and I agree it was better than the first. Playing here against a team in great form that rarely concedes chances, we dominated for 98 minutes and only allowed one counter-attack. Unfortunately, they capitalized on it.”
Liverpool will return to Premier League action this Saturday, facing Brentford at the Gtech Commu
nity Stadium.
