Forest, chasing a seventh successive league win for the first time since 1922, took the lead after only eight minutes when Chris Wood applied a clinical finish to Anthony Elanga’s pass.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side survived in relative comfort as they tried to complete the league double over Liverpool, until head coach Arne Slot’s substitutions had an instant impact after 66 minutes.

Diogo Jota had only been on the pitch 22 seconds when he headed in a corner from another substitute, Kostas Tsimikas, the pair having just come on for Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.

Jota threatened to turn the game on its head completely, forcing two fine saves from Forest keeper Matz Sels, while Mo Salah saw a late effort blocked on the line as Liverpool dominated the second half after a lack-lustre first period.

Forest remain in second place and on this form, in the wonderful atmosphere at The City Ground, they show all the signs of maintaining that lofty status.

The Portugal striker was taken off during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea on 20 October after a collision with defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

Jota has missed the past two fixtures and is yet to resume training.

The 27-year-old will miss at least the next four matches in all competitions, with the international break running from 11-19 November.

“Conor [Bradley] is training with us again so maybe he could be in the squad [for Wednesday’s trip to Brighton in the Carabao Cup],” Slot said.

“Jota not, Alisson not, Harvey Elliott not and Federico [Chiesa] not.”

Asked whether Jota could return before the international break, Slot replied: “No, it will be after that. Elliott the same.”

Liverpool also face Brighton, at Anfield, in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Reds then host Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League with Aston Villa visiting Merseyside before the international break.

Liverpool’s first fixture after it is a trip to newly promoted Southampton on 24 November.

Goalkeeper Alisson has missed the past fortnight with a hamstring injury, while Elliott is sidelined with a fractured foot.

Chiesa, a summer signing from Juventus, has made just three appearances for the Reds this season.

Jota was substituted in the victory against Chelsea last Sunday after suffering a chest injury when Blues defender Tosin Adarabioyo fell on top of him during a challenge.

The Portugal international missed Liverpool’s Champions League win at RB Leipzig on Wednesday and will be absent for the trip to the face the Gunners on Sunday (16:30 GMT), along with winger Federico Chiesa. Right-back Conor Bradley could also miss out.

“They feel good but not when it comes to playing for us during the weekend,” said Slot.

“Federico might train with us today or tomorrow, Diogo definitely not and let’s see if Conor Bradley can be with us tomorrow.”

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains out with a hamstring injury suffered in a win at Crystal Palace on 5 October and is expected to be sidelined until at least the next international break during mid-November.

“He’s progressing well like we expect but it’s not a short-term recovery, so always difficult to judge him,” added Slot.

“I think the best way to judge an injury is in the end of an injury, the end phase of his rehab, and he’s not there yet.”

Liverpool are top of the table going into the game at Arsenal and have a four-point lead over the third-placed Gunners, who Slot said had been “far ahead” of the Reds for the past two seasons.

“Nobody knows at this early stage who will be your biggest competitor but we all know that Arsenal will be one of them, so dropping or winning points against them is always important,” said the Dutchman.

“It’s difficult to win an away game at Arsenal or Manchester City, or all the other ones, but it’s something we are trying on Sunday, definitely.”