Liverpool’s dismal season took a further nosedive as they were outclassed and outplayed by a resurgent Nottingham Forest at Anfield. The Premier League champions, looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat at Manchester City, were embarrassingly beaten by a Forest side rejuvenated under new manager Sean Dyche.
Arne Slot’s side gave a £125m British record signing Alexander Isak a start, but he was once again anonymous and lasted just 67 minutes. Forest took the lead after 33 minutes when defender Murillo shot powerfully past Alisson, and they doubled their advantage just 47 seconds after the break when Neco Williams set up Nicola Savona for a crisp finish.
Liverpool’s desperation was palpable as they struggled to mount a response, and Forest sealed their victory 12 minutes from time when Morgan Gibbs-White scored after Alisson saved from Omari Hutchinson. The defeat leaves Liverpool 11th, having lost six of their past seven Premier League games, and raises questions about Slot’s £450m summer spending spree.
Forest, meanwhile, are on the up, moving away from the relegation zone and up to 16th. Their impressive performance was a testament to Dyche’s influence, and it’s clear that the former Everton boss is making a real impact at the City Ground.
