Liverpool have faced accusations of using an ‘unfair tactic’ during their Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest.
On Tuesday night, the Reds dropped two crucial points as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resurgent Forest side at the City Ground.
Chris Wood put Forest ahead in the eighth minute after being set up by Anthony Elanga. Liverpool, however, ramped up their efforts in the second half and found an equalizer in the 66th minute when Diogo Jota headed home from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner.
The result leaves Liverpool six points clear at the top of the Premier League, but Arsenal have an opportunity to close the gap to four points if they win against Tottenham on Wednesday night.
After the game, former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett highlighted what he described as an “unfair tactic” in Jota’s equalizer. Hackett pointed to Cody Gakpo’s positioning near Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels, which appeared to obstruct the keeper’s ability to challenge for the ball.
Despite his criticism, Hackett admitted that VAR was unlikely to overturn the goal and urged goalkeeping coaches to develop strategies to counter such tactics.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett said:
“One of the ‘dark arts’ in football is how attacking teams position forwards to block the goalkeeper. While no player owns any space on the pitch, goalkeeping coaches should find ways to address what I consider an unfair tactic.
“Looking at the replays, there was no way VAR would intervene. The goalkeeper should have been more assertive. It was a good goal.”
After the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot reflected on his team’s performance:
“I couldn’t have asked for more. People will focus on the second half, which was better, but when you play against a team in such good form, creating few chances is normal. We dominated for 98 minutes but conceded from their only counter-attack.”
Liverpool will next face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
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