Liverpool twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Dan Ndoye gave Nottingham Forest the lead midway through the first half, after some slack Liverpool defending. Florian Wirtz thought he had drawn Liverpool level just after the half-hour mark but it was ruled out for offside.
Liverpool did finally equalise on the hour with Alexander Isak tapping in Cody Gakpo’s excellent cross at the back post. Forest were back ahead 10 minutes later thanks to Morgan Gibbs-White’s penalty, after Neco Williams had been brought down in the box.
But Liverpool equalised once again, this time through Victor Munoz, who expertly took the ball on the turn in the box before rifling it into the roof of the net. It’s Liverpool’s second 2-2 draw of the season, coming from behind twice once again.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest analysis:
Bright sparks despite attacking questions
Liverpool may have scored two goals for the second game in a row, but there were still some questions being asked of their attack. And they haven’t been answered just yet.
Despite his goal, Liverpool struggled to get Alexander Isak into the game. He had just 13 touches, the fewest of any Liverpool player. Rio Ngumoha and Ryan Gravenberch were next with 18 touches each, but they both played just 19 minutes. The Swedish striker did have three shots, hitting the target once for his goal, and created one chance. But that chance came as a result of a poor attempted first touch, falling to Victor Munoz.
Munoz was very much involved in Liverpool’s game, with 51 touches, but he only completed 15 passes. The Spaniard’s main thought was to get himself closer to goal, with four attempted take-ons. He failed to complete a single one, but that can be put down to trying too hard to impress on his full debut. Munoz created one chance and had four shots, with an excellent goal to earn Liverpool a point.
Cody Gakpo was the brightest attacking spark overall, creating two chances, including an excellent cross for Isak’s goal. But it had come just before he was set to be taken off, indicative of his spotty his — and his teammates’ — game was.
Forest’s excellent attacking unit
Nottingham Forest had lost their first two games of the season, beaten by Leeds United in both the league and cup. They failed to score in both matches, but it didn’t take them long to get their first goal of the season. It was a goal they deserved, too, having taken the game to Liverpool.
While there was more focus on Liverpool’s defending for the goal, Dan Ndoye did well to finish from Morgan Gibbs-White’s pass, after good holdup play from Igor Jesus. All three attackers involved for the goal, and that was the theme of Forest’s game — spreading the responsibilities.
Ndoye had three shots during his time on the pitch, with his one effort on target giving Forest the lead. He created two chances, one of which was a big chance, and completed two of his three attempted take-ons. Ndoye was also excellent off the ball, winning possession eight times including five occasions in the middle third.
Jesus also had three shots with one on target, while Gibbs-White scored and provided an assist. James McAtee was also excellent from a deeper role. The midfielder completed 24 passes, more than any other Forest player, including seven in the final third. He was also the only Forest player to attempt a through-ball.
Forest’s attacking changes made a difference too. Just moments after coming on for his debut, Liam Delap took a quick throw-in to find Neco Williams, who was brought down in the box by Alisson. Delap looked dangerous after coming on, a complete difference from his Chelsea spell, with one shot and one chance created.
Worrying defensive issues
Liverpool spent £60million to improve their defence in the summer, bringing in Jeremy Jacquet. They also added Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona. But they still have issues.
Jacquet did have a decent game against Nottingham Forest, with three tackles, four clearances and three aerial duels won. But as a unit, Liverpool’s back line were generally poor. This was demonstated perfectly by Forest’s opening goal. Liverpool’s defence all rushed to play an offside trap as the ball was with Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels. But they weren’t as quick as they should have been, with Igor Jesus played onside. Momentum was against the Liverpool defence, after pushing forward, and they were unable to recover before conceding.
It was a goal Liverpool deserved to concede, having been put under pressure by Forest. The hosts faced five shots before the opener, conceding 0.93 Expected Goals, with Jacquet and Milos Kerkez having to chip in with good goal-saving blocks.
Despite his memorable contribution, Kerkez did come under fire for his performance, as did full-back partner Jeremie Frimpong. The pair lasted 71 minutes before both being taken off, with Liverpool behind. Kerkez made just one tackle and won possession three times, alongside his four clearances. Frimpong made two clearances and won possession three times, alongisde three tackles.
And Liverpool’s defence had switched off again in the build up to Nottingham Forest’s penalty, caught out by Delap’s quick throw. They were also incensed by the fourth official taking too long to sort out the substitute boards, meaning Liverpool were unable to make their desired changes. But a team with aspirations as high as Liverpool’s cannot be giving up two goals based on defensive lapses.