Matz Sels excelled between the sticks on Tuesday Matz Sels excelled between the sticks on Tuesday Nottingham Forest are not discussing the possibility of winning the Premier League title despite earning a hard-fought draw with leaders Liverpoolsuper jili, says goalkeeper Matz Sels. (More Football News)
Forest looked set for a memorable double over Arne Slot's Reds when Chris Wood handed them an eighth-minute lead at a buoyant City Ground.
However, Diogo Jota equalised just 22 seconds after coming on as a second-half substitute as Liverpool remained six points clear of Forest, who are now second, with the leaders still possessing a game in hand.
Nuno Espirito Santo's team were widely expected to be involved in a relegation battle at the start of the season, but goalkeeper Sels says they can now afford to set new targets.
"We are not talking about this. We want to finish as high as possible in the league," he told TNT Sports.
Forest 1-1 Liverpool, PL: Jota Salvages Draw For Leaders In Top Of The Table Clash"A lot of people before the season said we would fight against relegation, so we need to enjoy the good momentum we are in. We take it game by game.
On Tuesday, deep inside Chinese Mongolia, the Harmanpreet Singh-led Men in Blue did just about enough to beat a spirited Chinese side. The occasion: the final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024.
India, the most successful team in the competition, now have five titles, including back-to-back triumphs in 2023 and 2024. The victory adds to their bronze medal secured at the Paris Olympic Games last month.
"We said before the season that if we took 40 points as quickly as possible that would be great, and we are now on 41 with 17 games to go.
"We can now aim a little higher and see where we end up by the end of the season."
Sels made three fantastic saves in the dying stages, denying Jota, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo as Forest stretched their unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions.
Asked about Sels' performance by TNT Sports, Nuno said: "He was amazing. Matz kept us in the game with some huge saves. We are very proud. He is in a good moment.
"He has been able to keep us in games many times now. That shows how good he is. It also shows we have to do better in our defensive actions."
Sels' 63 saves in the Premier League this season are the fifth-most of any goalkeeper in the competition, while he also has a 75.9% save percentage – the best of any regular starter between the sticks.
Nuno was also asked if Forest viewed themselves as possible title contenders, but he was simply pleased to see them prove they can compete with the league's best.
"It shows a lot for the way that the players commit themselves," he explained. "To see them disappointed after the game is a good sign.
"We have to be fair with the game. Liverpool are very good, they had some good chances and are an amazing team.
"Being able to compete and challenge against them shows that we want to progress and continue."super jili