Liverpool’s Premier League campaign got off to a disappointing start as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
The Reds, under the tutelage of new manager Arne Slot, were expected to dominate proceedings against a newly-promoted side. However, they struggled to create clear-cut chances and were ultimately undone by a late goal from Taiwo Awoniyi.
Player Ratings:
- Alisson Becker (6): The Brazilian goalkeeper had a relatively quiet afternoon, making a few routine saves but was unable to prevent Awoniyi’s goal.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (5): The England right-back struggled to find his rhythm and was often caught out defensively.
- Virgil van Dijk (6): The Dutch defender was solid at the back but was unable to prevent Awoniyi from getting the decisive goal.
- Ibrahima Konaté (6): The French center-back made a couple of important blocks but was also caught out on occasion.
- Andy Robertson (6): The Scottish left-back was his usual industrious self but was unable to provide the attacking spark that Liverpool needed.
- Alexis Mac Allister (6): The Argentine midfielder made a promising debut for the Reds but was unable to impose himself on the game.
- Dominik Szoboszlai (5): The Hungarian midfielder struggled to find his feet and was often dispossessed.
- Jordan Henderson (5): The Liverpool captain was unable to provide the leadership and control that the Reds needed.
- Mohamed Salah (3): The Egyptian winger was completely anonymous throughout the game and was substituted at halftime.
- Cody Gakpo (5): The Dutch forward was lively but was unable to make a significant impact on the game.
- Diogo Jota (5): The Portuguese forward was introduced at halftime but was unable to turn the game in Liverpool’s favor.
- Darwin Núñez (6): The Uruguayan striker was a constant threat but was unable to convert his chances.
- Harvey Elliott (6): The young midfielder was lively after coming on as a substitute but was unable to change the game.
- Fabio Carvalho (6): The Portuguese forward was introduced late on but was unable to make an impact.
Credit – Goal.com
Analysis:
Liverpool’s defeat to Nottingham Forest was a major setback for the club. The Reds struggled to create clear-cut chances and were ultimately punished for their lack of efficiency.
One of the biggest talking points of the game was the performance of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian winger has been one of the best players in the world in recent years, but he was completely anonymous against Forest. Salah was substituted at halftime, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to rediscover his form.
Another area of concern for Liverpool was their midfield. The Reds struggled to control the tempo of the game and were often overrun by Nottingham Forest. The signing of Dominik Szoboszlai was seen as a major coup, but the Hungarian midfielder struggled to make an impact on his debut.
Manager Arne Slot made a number of changes during the game, but they were unable to turn things around. The Dutchman is still finding his feet at Anfield, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to get the best out of his players.
Liverpool will be hoping to bounce back from this defeat with a win over Newcastle United in their next Premier League match. However, the Reds will know that they have a lot of work to do if they are to challenge for the title this season.
