Few substitutes in the history of the Premier League have been more successful. It took just 22 seconds for Arne Slot’s changes to bear fruit as Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota combined to get Liverpool back on level terms against Nottingham Forest.

The double change transformed the match at the City Ground. Liverpool had struggled for an hour and hadn’t registered a shot on target before the introductions of Tsimikas and Jota, but by the end of proceedings the league leader had produced seven and registered an expected goals of 2.28.

The in-game decision to transition to a back three and play Ryan Gravenberch as a hybrid defender and midfielder was inspired by Slot and spoke again to his tactical acumen. Even selecting Jota as a no.10 was a surprising choice but one that paid dividends.

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The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man scored the decisive goal, went close with two more shots on target and, despite playing less than 30 minutes, no-one completed more successful dribbles.

It's been a long time since Jota had such a telling impact on a Premier League game, with injury preventing him starting a league match in nearly three months. A minor setback following his recovery and Slot’s careful reintegration have stalled Jota’s return to the limelight, while Luis Diaz’s successful secondment as a central striker has lessened the immediate need.

But for the first time since mid-October, Jota once again looks like a reliable option once again. Slot confirmed last week that the Portugal international is now capable of playing 90 minutes, and he was selected from the off against Tottenham Hotspur and Accrington Stanley.

It’s a huge boost for the Liverpool boss and it shouldn’t be overlooked that Jota started seven of the first eight league matches this season prior to his abdominal injury. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him back in the XI this weekend against Brentford.

In fact, after impressive displays against Accrington and Forest, coupled with Diaz’s slight dip in form and Darwin Nunez’s continued mishaps in front of goal, it would almost be a surprise if Jota didn’t start as a central striker at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.

In contrast, it’s difficult to continue justifying Andy Robertson’s selection at left-back. It was the Scotland captain who made way for Tsimikas at the City Ground after another woeful display. Errant passes, a lack of composure in possession and a distinct drop in physical output have been recurring themes of Robertson’s season and were once again on show against Forest.

There’s no denying Liverpool improved drastically after his withdrawal and the thought of Robertson up against Bryan Mbuemo is a concerning prospect for Liverpool fans ahead of the Brentford game.

This is more than a downturn of form, the 30-year-old’s displays have been an issue all season and, after the latest episode in midweek, now feels like the right time for Robertson to come out of the team. Tsimikas is the obvious replacement after an encouraging cameo in the East Midlands, but the Greek’s displays have been mixed this season.

Alternatively, could Trent Alexander-Arnold or Conor Bradley switch to the left? Or would Gravenberch operating as a full-back that pushes into midfield work? They’re short-term questions for Slot, but the bigger issue is whether Liverpool can find a more permanent solution. It’s unsurprising that reports of the club’s interest in left-backs are beginning to gather pace.

For now, three points against Brentford is all that will concern Slot, and trying to re-establish Liverpool’s healthy lead at the top of the table.