Awoniyi troubles Liverpool as Salah breaks Fowler’s record in Reds win over Nottingham Forest

Awoniyi troubles Liverpool as Salah breaks Fowler’s record in Reds win over Nottingham Forest

Joba Ogunwale 17:02 - 22.04.2023

Taiwo Awoniyi was in action but it was Salah’s day as Liverpool edged out Nottingham Forest.

Super Eagles star Taiwo Awoniyi gave Liverpool trouble but it was not enough to help Nottingham Forest avoid defeat in their Premier League clash at Anfield.

Awoniyi was a handful for Liverpool defenders, especially Ibrahim Konate, who struggled to cope with the strength and physicality of the Nigerian striker. 

The former Union Berlin striker won almost every ball in his battle against the France international. 

Awoniyi gave Konate a hard time
Awoniyi in action against Liverpool

Playing alone up front, Awoniyi won four ground duels, and two aerial duels and almost scored a spectacular overhead kick.  

How it happened

Liverpool dominated possession as expected, with Nottingham Forest happy to defend their goal. 

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Jurgen Klopp’s men pinned Forest down in their half but had to wait before creating the first chance of the match. 

Liverpool’s first real attempt at Forest’s goal came from a set piece, but Virgil Van Dijk’s brilliant header was met with a stunning save from Keylor Navas. 

The home side continued to be a threat in the attack, especially from set pieces, with Forest lucky not to concede from a corner on a few occasions. 

https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1649782492780548099

Liverpool were not deterred, though, as they pressed forward in numbers for the opener. The Reds almost took the lead a few minutes from half-time after Trent Alexander-Arnold found Diogo Jota with a brilliant delivery. 

However, the ex-Wolves man could only head into the side netting, with Klopp visibly disappointed not to see it go in. 

Jota redeems himself as as Salah's record-breaking goal seals it for Liverpool

Jota’s big chance was the last real action of the opening half, but he would redeem himself immediately after the break as Liverpool took the lead. 

The Portugal international put the Reds in front in the 47th minute, heading home from close range after an initial header from Fabinho. 

Jota’s goal raised the roof at Anfield, but their joy was shortlived as Nottingham Forest restored parity four minutes later. 

Steve Cooper’s men drew level through a deflected effort from former Liverpool fullback Neco Williams.

However, they were only level for four minutes too, as Jota controlled a freekick from Arnold twice before unleashing a left-footed volley past Keylor Navas in Nottingham Forest’s goal. 

The goals kept coming, with Nottingham Forest restoring parity again through a superb volley from Morgan Gibbs-White. 

However, his equaliser did not last long as Liverpool retook the lead three minutes later, courtesy of a finish from Mohamed Salah following an Arnold set piece. 

Salah’s goal moved him ahead of Robbie Fowler in Liverpool’s all-time top-scorer list, three behind Steven Gerrard. 

Nottingham Forest did respond well to going behind for the third time, causing Liverpool's defence with their throw-ins. 

Awoniyi almost restored parity for Cooper’s men with a stunning overhead kick while substitute Brennan Johnson hit the bar. 

However, it was not meant to be for the away side as Liverpool held on for a vital win which took them up to seventh, six points behind fourth-placed Newcastle, who have a game in hand.

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