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Liverpool walked back into Premier League action hoping to pick up where they left off before the international break. Instead, they ran into a Nottingham Forest side that punished every mistake and left Anfield with a commanding 3–0 win. It was a result that stunned the home crowd and handed the reigning champions a rare heavy defeat on their own turf. Below is a full breakdown of how the match unfolded, what went wrong for the Reds and the key moments that shaped a frustrating afternoon for Arne Slot’s side.
A Changed Line-up and a Big Return
The biggest headline before kick-off was the return of Alisson Becker. The goalkeeper started for the first time since September 30 and was one of five changes made by Arne Slot. Summer arrival Alexander Isak also came into the starting XI, while Dominik Szoboszlai was asked to play at right-back, a notable tactical adjustment that showed Slot wanted more attacking progression from deep.
Liverpool started with:
Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate (Ekitike 55), Kerkez (Robertson 68), Szoboszlai, Isak (Chiesa 68), Mac Allister, Salah, Jones (Ngumoha 78), Gakpo, Gravenberch.
A strong bench featured Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Nyoni and Ramsay.
First Half: Bright Start but No Breakthrough
Liverpool opened with purpose and energy. Within ten minutes they had already threatened several times.
Mac Allister Denied Twice
Cody Gakpo was sharp early. His clever run and pullback served Mac Allister what looked like a perfect scoring chance, only for a Forest defender to block his effort. Moments later, Milos Kerkez picked out the Argentine again in almost the exact spot, but once more Forest threw bodies in front of the shot.
Salah and Gakpo Keep Pushing
Mohamed Salah created space with his trademark footwork before supplying Kerkez, who could not keep his shot down. Gakpo then saw a close-range effort deflected behind, and Curtis Jones curled a promising effort over after an imaginative corner routine.
Liverpool had momentum, territory and nearly all of the ball. Forest had yet to settle but had already shown a willingness to defend in numbers and hit on transitions.
Forest Strike Against the Run of Play
Football has a way of punishing missed chances. On thirty three minutes, Forest won a corner on the left. The ball was only half cleared, and Murillo reacted quickest in a crowded box. His powerful strike zipped into the bottom left corner, leaving Alisson no chance. The goal silenced Anfield and gave Forest belief.
Minutes later, the visitors thought they had doubled their lead when Igor Jesus guided a finish into the same section of the net. VAR stepped in and ruled the goal out for handball in the buildup. It was a let-off for Liverpool, but the warning signs were clear.
Sels Keeps Forest in Front
In the closing moments of the half, Alexis Mac Allister saw a looping header gathered by Matz Sels, and Salah had a toe-poked effort beaten away. Despite the pressure, Forest reached halftime with their lead intact.
Second Half: A Nightmare Restart
Whatever Slot said in the dressing room hardly had time to take effect. Within sixty seconds of the restart, Forest doubled their lead.
Savona Punishes Early Lapse
Neco Williams slipped free on the left side of the Liverpool box. His low ball across the face of goal found Nicolo Savona arriving at the perfect time. Savona’s touch steered the ball into the far corner and put Forest in full control at 2–0.
Anfield fell quiet. Liverpool, suddenly chasing a two-goal deficit, had to regroup fast.
Tactical Changes as Slot Searches for a Spark
Arne Slot reacted quickly. Ibrahima Konate was replaced by Hugo Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch dropped into the defensive line. Jones and Szoboszlai switched roles to create more movement and passing options.
The changes helped Liverpool regain control in possession, but Forest stayed compact and disciplined.
Salah Comes Close
Liverpool nearly found a lifeline when Szoboszlai flicked a clever heel pass into Salah’s path. The forward carried the ball into the area and dragged a low shot narrowly wide of the far post. It was the kind of chance Liverpool usually thrive on, yet this afternoon the finishing touch was missing.
Forest Seal the Win on the Counter
Liverpool kept pushing higher up the pitch, which gave Forest space to exploit on transitions. On seventy eight minutes, Omari Hutchinson dashed into the box from the right and fired a shot across goal. Alisson produced a strong save, but the rebound fell straight to Morgan Gibbs White, who arrived unmarked and drove the ball into the net. At 3–0, the contest was effectively over. Forest had taken every meaningful chance they created.
Key Talking Points
Liverpool Created Enough but Lacked Precision
From the first ten minutes, it was clear Liverpool intended to take control. They created several high quality opportunities before Forest even touched the ball in Liverpool’s box. Yet poor finishing and a bit of misfortune kept the score at 0–0 long enough for Forest to strike.
Forest Showed Ruthless Efficiency
Murillo, Savona and Gibbs White each converted moments that Liverpool would normally defend better. Forest were patient, absorbed pressure and countered when the timing was right.
Slot’s Tactical Adjustments Showed Intent
Deploying Szoboszlai at right back and later reshuffling the midfield and defensive lines showed Liverpool were trying new approaches. The ideas were clear, but the execution was not.
Alisson’s Return a Positive
Despite the scoreline, Alisson displayed sharp reflexes, especially on the save before Forest’s third goal. His return will be crucial for the coming fixtures.
Big Picture: A Setback, Not a Collapse
A 3–0 defeat at Anfield is never easy to digest, especially for the reigning champions. However, the performance was not without positives. Liverpool controlled most of the game, created many chances and maintained pressure throughout. The issues were more about finishing, defensive lapses and Forest’s clinical edge. Slot has seen his side dominate games before and knows how quickly momentum can shift. With a busy period ahead, Liverpool must regroup, cut out the small errors and rediscover the cutting edge that usually defines them. The fans will expect a response, and with Alisson back in goal and the squad close to full strength, the opportunity to bounce back is already on the horizon.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com