Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the Premier League season on Saturday as they lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest at Anfield for the first time in 65 years.
A mixed performance in the first half saw the Reds frustrated throughout by Nottingham Forest, with Luis Díaz coming closest to opening the scoring with an effort that struck the post. Alexis Mac Allister was another standout for manager Arne Slot’s side in the opening 45 minutes, as the Argentina international tried to ignite Liverpool’s attack into action.
The hosts’ frustrations continued in the second half amid a clear lack of cutting edge, which yielded a triple change made on the hour mark with Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo and Conor Bradley all introduced. However, it was a substitute who broke the deadlock for the visitors as Callum Hudson-Odoi put the visitors ahead in the 72nd minute.
Liverpool could do little to change the fate of the game as Forest’s defence soaked up the pressure, in an attacking performance that was by far their most out-of-sync of the season so far.
Positives
It’s difficult to find positives after such a poor display, but there aren’t any new injury problems for Arne Slot to deal with ahead of next week’s clash against AC Milan to begin their Champions League campaign.
Negatives
Liverpool didn’t look like scoring even after going 1-0 down in a blunt attacking performance that will need resolving if they are going to play a part in the Premier League title race.
Manager rating (1-10)
Arne Slot, 5 — He didn’t seem to have the answer on Saturday afternoon with no meaningful chances created throughout the entire game. He tried to make something happen with his substitutes, but there was no solution that could unlock Nottingham Forest’s impressive defence.
Player ratings (1-10; 10: best. Players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)
GK Alisson, 6 — There was nothing the Brazil international could have done about Callum Hudson-Odoi’s strike which was placed perfectly onto the post before it went in. Kept Liverpool in it with a save against Anthony Elanga to prevent the score becoming 2-0.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 4 — Alexander-Arnold didn’t make as much impact as normal at right-back and couldn’t produce when moved into midfield, losing possession for Forest’s winning goal.
DF Ibrahima Konaté, 6 — The France international was strong when challenging for headers and employed a no-nonsense approach to Nottingham Forest’s set-piece threat.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 — Positioned well against Nottingham Forest set-pieces to clear the danger, and also cut out a low pass that was put back across the box.
DF Andy Robertson, 5 — The Scotland international worked hard up the left flank, but didn’t create much. Replaced by Kostas Tsimikas in the 75th minute.
MF Ryan Gravenberch, 4 — There wasn’t too much defensive work for Ryan Gravenberch to do with the majority of Forest’s attacks coming down the flanks, and he was quiet in the second half.
MF Alexis Mac Allister, 6 — One of Liverpool’s brightest players as he always looked to quickly transition the ball and make an impact in the final third. He created a half-chance with a well-picked-out pass for Diogo Jota, before forcing a save from Mats Selz with a header.
MF Dominik Szoboszlai, 4 — Came to life in moments during the first half with runs through midfield, and also linked well with Mohamed Salah when looking to switch the ball out wide. Faded out of the game in the second half outside from his blocked shot.
FW Mohamed Salah, 4 — The Liverpool forward improved after a quiet first half and got on the ball more, but his usual cutting edge wasn’t quite there. Wasteful throughout, and not in sync with teammates.
FW Diogo Jota, 5 — There wasn’t too much space for Diogo Jota to use with three defenders around him, and the one chance he had he couldn’t get enough power on when connecting with a pass from Mac Allister. Replaced by Darwin Nunez on the hour mark.
FW Luis Diaz, 6 — The Colombia international fashioned Liverpool’s best chance of the first half through his hard work, winning back possession before almost catching the goalkeeper out, only for his effort to strike against the post.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
FW Darwin Nunez, 4 (on for Jota, 60″) — The Uruguay international had little impact in his 30-minute spell and didn’t threaten the defence once.
DF Conor Bradley, 5 (on for Mac Allister, 61″) — Struggled at times against Callum Hudson-Odoi. Did his best to get forward and support attacks.
FW Cody Gakpo, 4 (on for Diaz, 61″) — Slow to get into the game and eased off the ball by Ola Aina early on. Couldn’t get on the ball in any dangerous positions. Ineffective.
DF Kostas Tsimikas, N/R (on for Robertson, 75″) — Introduced for Andy Robertson in the 75th minute. Put Anthony Elanga under pressure to prevent a big chance.
MF Curtis Jones, N/R (on for Konate, 75″) — On with 15 minutes to go, but had little time to make an impact.