Liverpool FC dropped points and fell behind Manchester City in the league table after a second-half stunner from Callum Hudson-Odoi earned Nottingham Forest a victory.
The Reds began with the same XI that had won against Brentford and Manchester United in the previous matches. Arne Slot’s side were yet to concede a league goal this season, until the introduction of Hudson-Odoi from the Forest bench. Nuno Espirito Santo would be jubilant to have masterminded the unlikely 1-0 win for Forest. Hudson-Odoi scored the winner thanks to Liverpool’s retreating backline providing him the space to measure a shot from 20 yards. He obliged, bending a precise strike beyond Alisson at full stretch into the far corner.
Liverpool dominated most of the game, as reflected by the stats of 70% possession and 14 shots at goal. But unlike the opening three games of the campaign where they scored seven times, the Reds were unable to convert today. Whereas, everything Forest did paid off. Nuno Espirito Santo’s team worked hard to frustrate Liverpool in the middle areas of the pitch. Culminating with their substitutions working perfectly with Anthony Elanga and Hudson-Odoi combining for the winner. The game plan was executed to perfection.
Forest remains unbeaten through their first four Premier League matches of 2024/25. And today they passed their toughest test yet with a hard-earned victory. Meanwhile, Arne Slot’s Liverpool would have to quickly regroup and get back to winning ways. They cannot let Manchester City or Arsenal get an edge if they want to compete for the premier league title.
Tactics Zone
Liverpool and Nottingham Forest follow a 4-2-3-1 formation. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men worked hard on their defense which was the core play that sealed their victory. First, the team selection of Ryan Yates and James Ward-Prowse helped pack the middle of the park which worked to curb Liverpool’s progression play. Next, Salah’s attack threat was dealt with effectively by Alex Moreno and Murillo, who could match the Egyptian for pace down the host’s right flank.
On the left side, Ola Aina had a stellar performance, notably quelling the threat of Jota, who until the last game had provided the perfect focus point for Liverpool’s attack. Sels also held firm in the Forest goal to deny a string of chances for Liverpool throughout the game. Repeatedly the fluid Liverpool attack stalled on the offence as Nuno’s men maintained their excellent defensive formation throughout the match.
Nottingham Forest would want to build on this momentum in the coming weeks. While Liverpool FC would look to quickly bounce back; especially with the Champions League starting soon.
