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Ola Aina produced a busy and energetic display as Nottingham Forest twice took the lead before drawing 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield, Footynaija reports.
The Nigeria international started as the right wing-back in Forest’s 3-4-2-1 formation and spent much of the game providing an attacking option on the right while also working hard to help his defence.
Aina almost helped Forest make an early breakthrough in the 11th minute. His dangerous cross from the right found Dan Ndoye at the far post, with the move almost ending in a goal for Igor Jesus before Liverpool made a last-ditch block.
Forest did take the lead in the 24th minute when Ndoye finished a good attacking move.
Aina was also important when Forest had to defend. Liverpool had 69% possession and completed 555 passes, but Aina worked hard to slow down the home side’s attacks.
He made nine clearances during his 86 minutes on the pitch, showing how much defensive work he had to do against Liverpool’s attacking players.
Aina was booked in the 49th minute after a heavy challenge on Víctor Muñoz. He continued to play with discipline after the yellow card before being replaced by Luca Netz in the 86th minute.
Liverpool eventually equalised in the 60th minute when Alexander Isak finished from Cody Gakpo’s assist.
Forest regained the lead 10 minutes later. Morgan Gibbs-White calmly converted a penalty to make it 2-1.
Liverpool refused to give up and found another equaliser in the 82nd minute. Summer signing Víctor Muñoz scored on his Anfield debut after being played through by Florian Wirtz.
The result gave Forest a valuable point away from home, while Aina’s performance added to his importance to the team.
The 29-year-old completed 19 of 29 passes, made nine clearances and committed two fouls. He also earned a 7/10 player rating.
Forest will take plenty of confidence from a performance in which they twice led one of the Premier League’s strongest sides.
