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      Former Liverpool and Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez lined up for shock management return with league and cup champions

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      RAFA BENITEZ is being lined up for a return to management in a country he has never coached in before.The former Liverpool and Newcastle boss has been out of work since leaving Celta Vigo in March 2024. Rafa Benitez is being lined up for a return to management with Brazilian side BotafogoCredit: APAccording to the Daily Mail, Benitez is down to the final two candidates to manage Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo.He is said to be in advanced talks with the Brazilian club – which is owned by Crystal Palace majority shareholder John Textor.The job is still vacant after Artur Jorge left the club in December – since joining Qatari side Al Rayyan. Benitez is believed to have impressed leading members of Botafogo’s hierarchy – leaving him in pole position to take the role.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPortuguese coach Vasco Matos and Argentine Tato Martino are also other contenders linked with the job. Benitez made his name winning two LaLiga titles with Valencia in Spain. He then joined Liverpool in 2004 – guiding them to a famous Champions League trophy that season. Benitez left Liverpool with an FA Cup also to his name and later joined Inter Milan. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe returned to England with Chelsea on an interim basis in 2012 – departing with a Europa League trophy.Benitez had further stints with Napoli, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Dalian Pro in China, Everton and most recently Celta Vigo. He was sacked by Celta Vigo after just five wins and 24 points from 28 matches in eight months. Kris Boyd says common sense has prevailed after Mohamed Diomande won his red card appeal More

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      Peter Crouch reveals what TV show Jurgen Klopp watches to cheer himself up

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      JURGEN Klopp and his wife watch a TV prank involving Peter Crouch and model Abbey Clancy if they need cheering up.The ex-Liverpool football manager revealed the Saturday Night Takeaway stunt has Ulla and him in fits of laughter.Jurgen Klopp and his wife watch a TV prank involving Peter Crouch and model Abbey Clancy if they need cheering upCredit: GettyEx-player Peter told the Therapy Crouch podcast: “I interviewed Jurgen Klopp and he said ‘Honestly, sometimes when we’re feeling down, we just put it on’.”Crouchie added: “That makes me feel so good.”For the stunt, Crouch and wife Abbey were told show hosts Ant and Dec would feed them comments through earpieces to give to party planners — filmed by spy cameras.Peter is first told that whenever the planner says the word “party” he has to shout it back out, sounding over-excited.read more on Jurgen Klopp He also had to burst out from behind a door shouting “Boo”, then ask to play hide and seek.Abbey had to make a phone call using his foot.The model also reads out her list of unacceptable words for the party including “fart”, “toilet”, “sun of a biscuit”, “Michael Buerk”, “Ging gang goolies” and “Jog on you chicken nugget”.Eventually lanky Peter and Abbey get a delivery of a framed photo of themselves – but where his head’s been cut off – so he stands behind the picture and asks the planner to take a phone snap which they can use to include his face.Most read in FootballThe prank has Jurgen and wife Ulla in fits of laughterCredit: Rex More

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      Milos Kerkez spends summers fishing in the woods and could be Liverpool’s biggest catch with best pal already at club

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      MILOS KERKEZ spends his summers fishing in the woods, but might just be the Premier League’s biggest catch at the end of the season.The eye-catching Bournemouth left-back has been a huge success story on the south coast and has attracted interest from Premier League leaders Liverpool.Milos Kerkez is on Liverpool’s radarCredit: GettyKerez has been a stand out full-back with Bournemouth this seasonCredit: Instagram / miloskerkezofficialThe Serbian-born defender is unlike any character they have seen at Dean CourtCredit: RexKerkez scored the final goal of Bournemouth’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle at St James’ Park last weekCredit: GettyWhile the Cherries are refusing to sell to anyone this month, there is an expectation that they will bank an almighty profit on the fiery full-back they signed for £14million.Kerkez is a bundle of energy on the pitch and around his teammates.The Serbian-born defender is unlike any character they have seen at Dean Court and is often making the most noise in the dressing room.But that has not come as a surprise given that, when former club AZ Alkmaar qualified for the Europa Conference League he somehow found a megaphone and started celebrating with the fans.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFrom day one the Cherries knew they had a livewire on their hands.Kerkez’s father once revealed that his son can be a difficult character to manage, but boss Andoi Iraola has managed to harness that spirit.The 21-year-old is a constant menace with pace and energy to burn down the left – but still holds a passion for big challenges at the back.It is the ideal mix for any manager in the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Kerkez’s sporting talent has been clear from an early age.Initially he wanted to be a professional swimmer before making the decision to go with football at the age of eight, playing in the streets with his two older brothers.Prince William plays football with teens – but barely gets in a touchKerkez is a big character in the Bournemouth dressing roomCredit: GettyThe full-back found a megaphone and started celebrating with the fans at AZ Alkmaar back in 2022Credit: GettyBrother Marko, three years older than Milos, plays professionally for Partizan Belgrade back in Serbia.Having decided to go with football as his pursuit, Kerkez bounced around a number of clubs in his youth.He spent time with local side Vrbas in Serbia before spells in Austria and Hungary with Rapid Vienna, Hodmezovasarhelyi and Gyor.But at 17 things went up a step when Paolo Maldini called.The Italian great, then AC Milan’s sporting director, got in touch to say how much he admired Kerkez and reportedly flew out in a private jet to secure his signature.Kerkez joined the Milan academy for a year and spent time training with the first team.He had no real desire to leave Hungary or Gyor at that time, but could not say no to one of the greatest defenders of all time rolling out the red carpet.Kerez joined the Milan academy for a year in 2021Credit: GettyWhile with Milan’s academy he would face Liverpool youth sides in European games which featured Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah.But despite the plush surroundings of Milan’s Milanello training base, and everything he learned in 12 months there, Kerkez took the decision to move again.AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands were showing an interest and he knew a move there would mean matches – and what a decision it has proved.After just one season in the Eredivisie and Europa Conference League with Alkmaar, bigger clubs came calling again.Lazio and Benfica were both interested in deals, with the Portuguese side thinking they had an agreement in place.But Bournemouth beat them all to it and are now reaping the rewards.Kerkez arrived in the sleepy south coast town aged just 19 and was asked to step into a Prem game straight away following injury to Lloyd Kelly.Iraola knew it was a lot for such a young player, and things did not always go to plan – with wingers played at left-back ahead of him at times during that first term.The Cherries boss worked closely with Kerkez to improve his focus and tactical nous and the young defender credits Iraola with the huge steps he has taken this season.Kerkez credits Iraola with the huge steps he has taken this seasonCredit: ReutersKerkez is best pals with Liverpool star Dominik SzoboszlaiCredit: GettyWhile his career path has been hectic and nomadic, and looks set for another big step in the summer, Kerkez’s down time is often much more relaxed.He likes to leave his phone behind and head off camping and fishing in Serbia with close friends.That might become rather more difficult if he starts spending his weekends bombing up and down the flanks at Anfield.He told The Guardian: “I’ll be alone in a house, maybe with one friend, chill there, chop wood, make fire, camp, fish, that’s it, no phone.”People want you to focus on football, but you need something else because when you come back you’re even more motivated.”His close friendship with Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai could push him towards the league leaders if they come calling again.Szoboszlai called Kerkez his best pal in the Prem and the pair both played for Hungary at Euros 2024.The youngster is also well-known Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who signed him for Bournemouth.Szoboszlai commented on Kerkez’s social media post after he scored the final goal in Bournemouth’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle last Saturday.READ MORE SUN STORIESSzoboszlai replied to his compatriot with: “Yes my son ❤”. Kerkez also recently followed Luiz Diaz on Instagram.The left-back has flourished under Andoi IraolaCredit: Getty More

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      Italy boss tells Federico Chiesa he needs to LEAVE Liverpool after playing just 21 minutes all season

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      ITALY boss Luciano Spalletti has urged Federico Chiesa to quit Liverpool this month.The winger, 27, moved to Anfield in a £10m cut-price summer deal from Juventus but has struggled to make much of an impact.Italy boss Luciano Spalletti has urged Federico Chiesa to quit LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe star, who helped the Azzurri to win the Euros in 2021, finally got off the mark for Arne Slot’s side against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup this month.However, Chiesa has only managed 21 minutes of action in the top-flight for the Prem leaders and the last of his 51 caps for Italy came at Euro 2024.Now his national manager Spalletti has called for the attacker, who wants to fight for his place at Liverpool, to push for a return to Serie A.He said: “Yes, I would be very much in favour of having Chiesa under our watch in terms of the level of our football, to reintegrate him because those who have this quality of looking you in the eye and breaking the line in front of them to get to the next one… There aren’t many of them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Indeed, he must get more consistent playing time.”When asked if he felt Chiesa’s move to England had been a failure, he added: “I don’t know, but perhaps now he knows some things that will help him develop further.“I think he can help any team in any league, but some steps forward in terms of physical impact are required.”There was speculation Chiesa could leave on loan this month in search of regular minutes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSerie A league leaders Napoli, currently managed by Antonio Conte, are thought to be the front runners for his signature.Fiorentina and Inter have also been linked, but Napoli are best-placed to secure his services.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezIt’s claimed that Chiesa’s agent, Fali Ramadani, held a meeting with Liverpool’s representatives in which both parties agreed to allow the forward to leave on loan this month. More

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      I’m Championship star who played with Harry Kane and Steven Gerrard before being sacked for paying fine in PENNIES

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      LAWRENCE VIGOUROUX has spoken for the first time about being sacked by Swindon for paying a £50 fine in PENNIES.The Swansea goalkeeper built such a notorious reputation regarding his attitude that no club on these shores would touch him.Lawrence Vigouroux is a changed man at SwanseaCredit: GettyThe attitude and ‘extras’ of Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane when he was a Tottenham youngster inspired VigourouxCredit: GettyThe keeper is looking forward to a huge derby clash with CardiffCredit: RexBut Vigouroux has since learned the error of his ways and hopes to continue producing top performances to help the Welsh side return to the Premier League.The 31-year-old is relishing playing in Saturday lunchtime’s South Wales derby at Cardiff.The London-born former Chile Under-20 international used to be Harry Kane’s shooting training partner at Tottenham and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Steven Gerrard while a youngster at Liverpool. But    he caused a stink in Swindon when the Anfield giants loaned them the then 21-year-old stopper in 2015.READ MORE SWANSEA NEWSVigouroux explained: “I was late to training after being delayed by a visit to the dentist. “I had bad toothache and felt I shouldn’t have been fined because you cannot train when your teeth are hurting. But they insisted I pay.“Because I felt hard done by, I decided to make it ­difficult for them so I visited the bank and asked for £50 in one pennies.“The woman behind the counter thought I was a shopkeeper who needed change — but she only had £20 in one pennies. So in the end I settled for them plus another £20 of 2ps and a tenner of 5ps.Most read in ChampionshipVigouroux has reunited with ex-Swindon chief Luke Williams at SwanseaCredit: RexThe stopper has been called up for Chile’s senior squadCredit: AlamyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I dropped them off to the fines collector — captain Nathan Thompson, who now plays for Stevenage — who wasn’t happy.“Our manager Mark Cooper told me to leave and never come back.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFL“I felt bad and took the pennies back and paid it in notes.“But when I returned to Liverpool, they weren’t happy.“I had a frosty couple of days training from 8am to 6pm.“Eventually Cooper invited me to Doncaster where Swindon were playing. I swallowed my pride, apologised and he took me back.”Vigouroux concedes it was situations like that and often being late for training that made his name mud across the EFL.And his advice to any youngster is: Be professional every day because nothing happens by luck. You can be in the right place at the right time to get an opportunity but if your attitude is not right you will not maintain it.He said: “The easiest thing is making your debut, staying in the team is the hardest. You see lots of players from top clubs who drop down the leagues and find it hard to come back.”One player he uses as a model pro is ex-Spurs team-mate Kane — now at Bayern Munich. Vigouroux, who initially came through the youth ranks at Brentford, spent two seasons in North London. He said: “Tottenham needed a training keeper for the Under-18s so I went there and they ended up signing me.“The one thing I learned was how important the extras were. After training Harry would be on his own or I’d be with him in goal for an hour doing finishing.Jurgen Klopp wanted to take a look at Vigouroux after becoming Liverpool bossCredit: APVigouroux will always remember Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard congratulating him on winning a new contract at AnfieldCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times“It was good for me because I was working with someone who was unbelievable at finishing and seeing how his brain worked with angles and where he was more likely to score from. That helped me and him.“That’s the main reason he is where he is now.“It’s that attitude of it’s never enough and do those extras to hone your skills.”Vigouroux was snapped up by Liverpool after a successful trial, following his Spurs coach and now Anfield academy director Alex Inglethorpe to Merseyside.He said: “It’s a mental city. Everyone is football crazy, they support the team like it’s everything.“Even though I was only playing in the Under-21s, I’d got spotted in the streets and stopped by fans.“I didn’t even know how they knew me — but they did, perhaps from watching the Under-21s on Liverpool TV.”And the keeper will never forget how,  after agreeing a new contract at Anfield, Kop legend Gerrard came over at the training ground to congratulate him.He said: “It’s something that has stuck with me my whole career.“It doesn’t matter how big you are in the game, you should always be there to help and inspire youngsters.”The penny-gate saga was not the only time Vigouroux was recalled to Liverpool from Swindon.When Jurgen Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers in 2015, the German wanted to take a look at the keeper in training.Vigouroux recalled: “It didn’t matter who you were or where you were, he got everyone in for a week to take a look. He wanted to know what he had.”Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.Lawrene VigourouxVigouroux went on to sign for Swindon permanently where he spent three years — including playing for current Swans boss Luke Williams — before spending six months in his dad’s home nation Chile playing for Everton de Vina del Mar.He soon missed England but found it difficult to find a club before eventually Leyton Orient gave him a chance.He said: “No one here would take me because of my reputation for attitude and being late for training.“I got offered a contract, which was nowhere near the money I’d been earning before, but it was my last chance.”Vigouroux took it with both hands and spent 3½ years there, winning the League Two title under boss Richie Wellens, who had earlier released him from Swindon.He spent last season as a back-up keeper at Burnley during their doomed Premier League campaign before joining Swansea in the summer.And his form has seen him called up for the last few Chile squads as they bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.Vigouroux is happy to be reunited with Williams and said: “I knew he was a great coach at Swindon but he’s in a different stratosphere now.“He’s a huge key to our success so far. Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Cardiff is going to be a hostile ­atmosphere but we mustn’t let the occasion get to us.”Vigouroux must be dreaming of going to the 2026 World CupCredit: Getty More

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      Real Madrid ABANDON transfer pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold after star’s slump in form

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      REAL MADRID are abandoning their pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, reports suggest.Alexander-Arnold, 26, has been intensely linked with a move to Real during the January transfer window.Real Madrid are abandoning their pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyReal don’t believe Liverpool will let Alexander-Anrold leave mid-seasonCredit: AlamyIn fact, Los Blancos have been so keen that they reportedly offered a £20million fee despite the fact the full-back’s contract runs out in June.According to Relevo, however, the reigning Spanish and European champions are beginning to pull back in their pursuit of the England international.That is because Real see no chance of Liverpool releasing TAA during the winter market.The high-flying Reds are favourites to win the Premier League as they are six points ahead of second place with a game in hand.Read More on FootballAnd the Merseysiders’ title push could be affected if manager Arne Slot lost one of his key players mid-season.That is despite Alexander-Arnold’s recent slump in form, which led to intense criticism from fans.A section of the Anfield faithful fear that Real’s interest got into the defender’s head.The right-back was met by groans and moans during his disasterclass in the 2-2 draw against struggling rivals Manchester United two weeks ago.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesTrent’s defensive frailties have long been documented, despite noticeable improvements in recent months.Liverpool are also facing the risk of losing two more stars for free in the summer transfer window.How Man United destroyed Trent in spectacular Liverpool draw amid £100m Real Madrid transfer talksAnd those are defensive rock Virgil van Dijk as well as megastar Mohamed Salah. More

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      Former Liverpool star, 34, moves away from football for luxury property business worth millions

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      A FORMER Liverpool captain has opened up a luxury property business in Dubai as he continues his transition away from football.Mamadou Sakho, 34, has launched his career as an entrepreneur after leaving French club Montpellier under a cloud.Former Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has launched his career as an entreprenuerCredit: Instagram @sakhoandcoThe main venture of Sakho & Co. is ‘Sakho properties’Credit: Instagram @sakhoandcoSakho played for Liverpool for three seasons but left early into Jurgen Klopp’s reignCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe former Premier League defender, who was a leader at Anfield from 2013 to 2017, set up Sakho & Co in Dubai in November.His property and interior design business runs with the motto of ‘Elevate Your Game’.The company also deals in consulting and video production. Sakho joined Crystal Palace in 2017 and spent three seasons at Selhurst Park before moving to Montpellier as a free agent in 2021.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut he reportedly quit the Ligue 1 side two years later over a “lack of respect” – a week after an incredible bust-up with their manager.At the time, Sakho said he will “leave like a man” – amid claims he grabbed and pushed boss Michel Der Zakarian in a training ground row.Sakho joined little-known Georgian club Torpedo Kutaisi in June 2024, playing for them 13 times. But the 29-capped France international’s social media output has been focused on his lifestyle and business in the United Arab Emirates.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis new venture has seen him rub shoulders with the likes of Max Verstappen, Bacary Sagna, Florent Malouda, and ex-Liverpool team-mate Christian Benteke. The dominant strand of his business, Sakho properties, works across Dubai, Paris, Marrakech, and Senegal.Crystal Palace player Mamadou Sakho shows off his £250k Rolls Royce birthday present to himselfSakho has hired multiple professionals to aid himCredit: TikTok – @sakhoandcoOne property advertised is a 75th-floor penthouse with panoramic views in DubaiCredit: TikTok – @sakhoandcoThe ex-Liverpool star lives a life of luxury in DubaiA quick browse of his website shows luxury properties worth millions.One five-bed waterfront villa is selling for £9.6million in the exclusive Dubai neighbourhood of Palm Jumeirah, according to The Mail.Sakho regularly features in the business’ videos, walking prospective buyers around properties, decked out in his sunglasses. Alongside his launch party in November, Sakho posted: “It is finally time to share a project that unites my passion for football with my entrepreneurial spirit.”A spirit that has been forged and enriched in recent years and to which every minute of my free time has been dedicated.”I can’t wait to introduce you to Sakho & Co, an ecosystem that offers a complete range of interconnected services designed to support entrepreneurs, investors and individuals looking for tailor-made solutions!”Team Sakho and Co. are based in DubaiSakho regularly updates his 1.6million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @sakhoandcoHis new life in the United Arab Emirates has seen him become a guest of Red Bull at the F1Liverpool signed Sakho from Paris Saint-Germain for £18million in September 2013.He arrived with a big reputation, having been PSG’s youngest-ever captain at the age of 17 years and eight months. He helped the Reds finish second in the Prem under Brendan Rodgers in the 2013-14 season.But Sakho, who captained Liverpool several times in the absence of Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson, fell out with Jurgen Klopp in 2016.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was sent home from Liverpool’s pre-season tour in the United States after missing a team meeting and turning up late to a recovery session. The Frenchman spent that season on loan at Palace before joining the London side permanently for £26m in September 2017. Sakho linked up with former Liverpool team-mate Christian Benteke (right)Credit: Instagram @sakhoandcoEx-Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna also attended Sakho’s launchJurgen Klopp banished Sakho from pre-season training in 2016/17Credit: PA:Press AssociationHe later spent three seasons with Crystal PalaceCredit: Reuters More

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      Nottingham Forest 1 Liverpool 1: Slot’s super-subs combine 22 SECONDS after coming on to equalise but Arsenal get boost

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      ARNE SLOT will never make a better substitution in his career.Nottingham Forest were rolling with the punches and hanging on comfortably to their slender lead, following Chris Wood’s early opener.Diogo Jota levelled for LiverpoolCredit: ReutersFor the first time this season, Liverpool’s title charge looked on the verge of being derailed as Forest appeared to be on course to dish out a second defeat to the Dutchman.But it’s when the chips are down the great bosses earn their lolly – and some go on to become legends.That’s when Slot turned to his bench and sent on Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota for Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson.But even he couldn’t have imagined the instant impact his changes would make.READ MORE IN football Because 22 SECONDS later Liverpool were celebrating one of great turnarounds of the Dutchman’s career as Tsimikas delivered a corner from the right with his first touch.And Jota stole between Murillo and Chris Wood to head past Matz Sels to score a sensational leveller with his first touch to maintain Liverpool’s stranglehold at the top of the table.Seconds earlier Jota had hugged with his old boss Nuno Espirito Santo on the sideline – yet Nuno must have known better than anyone what the little striker was capable of.Jota has now scored seven goals in his last seen games against Forest and he could have had a hat-trick if he wasn’t denied by two stunning Sels stops.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSuddenly Liverpool looked like champions and Mo Salah cursed his luck twice as Sels defied him with a stunning save before Ola Aina cleared another netbound effort off the line.In the end a share of the points will please both sides after Chris Wood picked the ideal time to score his first ever career goal against Liverpool after eight minutes.Celtic fans set off huge pyro display as teams walk out against DundeeFor a while it looked as if the 33-year-old hitman had blown the title race wide open – until Slot played his jokers!The City Ground seemed to have turned the clock back to the heady days of the 70’s and 80’s when this pair regularly battled it out for all the major prizes.Forest were in their traditional red, white and red Adidas kit – Liverpool, as they used to be in yesteryear, white-shirted with black shorts.Then, just before kick-off, the hairs on the back of your neck rose as Forest fans belted out their anthem Mull of Kintyre as the City Ground cranked the volume up to 11!Yet it was Liverpool who found their feet first as they pinned the home side back from the first whistle.Cody Gakpo was first to let fly with an ambitious attempt which sailed high and wide.Then Ryan Gravenberch sliced a similarly ambitious effort high into the Trent End.When the Dutch midfielder worked a one-two with Mo Salah to carve Forest open, only to fire over again, Arne Slot couldn’t hide his frustration and spun round in his technical area.Chris Wood opened the scoringCredit: GettyHis fine form continuedCredit: RexYet things were about to get a lot more complicated for the Dutchman when Forest did what they’ve been doing all season.Soak up pressure – then ruthlessly spring out of defence like a coil – to score on the break!Ironically, it was Liverpool’s best player this season, Salah, who was the sinner on this occasion.He cheaply surrendered possession near the halfway line, but what happened next was pure Forest 2025-style!Callum Hudso-Odoi pounced on the ball and pinged a pass through the lines to Anthony Elanga.The former Manchester United winger took two touches, one to set himself up, the next a sublime diagonal ball into Chris Wood’s path.The big Kiwi had expertly pulled off Virgil van Dijk’s shoulder to create a few yards of space for himself and he put it to good use, expertly clipping the ball left-footed beyond Alisson to find the far corner. One attack …. 1-0 to Forest. Where have we heard that before under Nuno?Jota got Liverpool back on level termsCredit: RexHe had only just come off the benchCredit: PAThe City Ground exploded in a frenzy of red and white as Forest fans danced in delight.It was Wood’s third goal on the spin for Forest as he took his goal tally up to 13 for the season.Significantly, it was his first ever career goal against Liverpool …. at the ripe old age of 33.But judging by his celebration he appeared to think it was worth the wait!Forest were soon back on the front foot when they lost possession cheaply again and Murillo drove forward before letting fly with a long range rocket which flew just wide.Liverpool were rocking and so was the City Ground as the home crowd lapped up the action. Wood’s goal was enough for Forest to temporarily leapfrog Arsenal, into second place in the Prem – a mere three points behind leaders Liverpool.The burning question was could they stay there?Liverpool’s composure had gone and even Van Dijk seemed affected as he clattered an attempted clearance off Elliott Anderson.The ball ricocheted across the face of his own goal past Alisson but fortunately Andy Robertson was on hand to shepherd the ball out for a throw-in as Elanga threatened to pounce.Forest were like a big lad teasing his little brother – holding Liverpool at arm’s length – watching them take swings without making contact as a string of long-range shots flew by.Luis Diaz was the latest to take a pot shot which failed to trouble Matz Sels, then Dominik Szoboszlai headed a Gakpo cross off Neco Williams as Forest continued to defend deep and in numbers.Liverpool’s growing angst was summed up when Trent Alexander-Arnold sent Diaz sprinting forward with Gakpo to his right to create a 2v1 situation.But it was Forest’s lone defender Murillo who read Diaz’s intent perfectly to intercept the striker’s pass and come away with the ball to roars of appreciation.By half-time Liverpool had enjoyed 70% of possession and managed nine shots – but not one of them was on target.Forest picked up a pair of bookings either side of the break. Morgan Gibbs-White for urging ref Chris Kavanagh to book Szoboszlai for fouling him – then Ryan Yates joined him for grabbing Diaz.Slot must have feared his side were on course to suffer their second defeat of the season at Forest’s hands.READ MORE SUN STORIESEspecially as Murillo was at his magnificent best – attracting the ball like a human magnet – rampaging up the park to win tackles and generally rattle the Reds.But then Slot turned to his bench and hit the jackpot.Arne Slot performed a masterclass with his subsCredit: Reuters More