Nottingham Forest twice took the lead at Anfield before being held to a 2-2 draw by Liverpool, with Super Eagles wing-back Ola Aina producing a disciplined performance for the visitors, Trybal News reports.
Forest stunned the home crowd by taking the lead inside 25 minutes when Dan Ndoye finished clinically after being played through by Morgan Gibbs-White.
Liverpool struggled to find a way through Forest’s organised backline in the opening half, with Florian Wirtz’s effort ruled out for offside as the visitors went into the break ahead.
Aina was handed a difficult task on the right flank in Oliver Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 formation. The Nigerian operated as a right wing-back, providing width going forward while also being responsible for tracking Liverpool’s attacking runners.
His afternoon became more challenging five minutes after the restart when he was booked for a foul on Víctor Muñoz. However, rather than allowing the yellow card to affect his performance, Aina remained composed and disciplined for the remainder of his time on the pitch.
Liverpool eventually found their equaliser on the hour mark when Cody Gakpo’s low cross was met by new signing Alexander Isak, who finished at the far post to make it 1-1.
Forest immediately responded.
A quick throw from Liam Delap released Neco Williams into the penalty area, where the Welshman was brought down by Alisson. Morgan Gibbs-White made no mistake from the resulting penalty, sending the Liverpool goalkeeper the wrong way to restore Forest’s lead.
Liverpool continued to push and eventually levelled again in the 82nd minute. Wirtz picked out Víctor Muñoz inside the box, with the Spaniard keeping his composure to make it 2-2.
Despite Liverpool’s sustained pressure, Aina helped Forest protect their right side and avoid conceding a third goal. The Nigerian completed 32 passes with 20 accurate, registered 62 touches, made five defensive contributions, two tackles and one successful tackle, while winning five of nine ground duels. He also recorded four recoveries and two clearances.
His discipline was particularly notable after the early second-half booking, as he avoided a second yellow despite being involved in a demanding battle against Liverpool’s attacking players.
Aina was eventually replaced by Luca Netz in the 86th minute as Glasner looked to see out the game and secure a valuable point at Anfield.
The 2-2 result means Forest leave one of the Premier League’s toughest grounds with a point, while Aina once again demonstrated the defensive discipline, versatility and composure that have made him an important figure for both Nottingham Forest and the Super Eagles.
