Liverpool 0-1 Nottingham Forest – Player Ratings

The reds hosted a visiting Nottingham Forest side with a confidence that they could continue their Premier League winning run. The game-state and ball domination should have seen a home win transpire, however, the visitors were organised and resilient against a team that looked limited in true creation.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Alisson Becker – 6.0

The giant Brazilian was largely untroubled for much of the game, with a confidence that his side could turn possession into points. An anonymous first half was followed by recycling in the second period, until the only goal of the game presented itself. An unstoppable strike from Callum Hudson-Odoi was the moment that separated the teams.

https://twitter.com/AnfieldIndex/status/1834986670065672422

Trent Alexander Arnold – 5.0

The England superstar was not close to his recent form at times, as international superstardom against second rate nations was blunted against a well drilled Premier League team. Despite some fair creation and positive moments, ultimately the no.66 was not able to show his usual playmaking swagger and things did not improve when he was ushered into the centre of midfield.

Andy Robertson – 4.0

The Scotland international captain was ineffective and at times redundant, as he struggled to find the balance between on and off ball requirements. When the game flow is quick and direct, he looks at ease, however, this game showed his tactical and decsion making limitations, as he offered little from the left hand side. Should have left the field much sooner.

Subbed – 75 mins

Ibrahima Konaté – 6.0

The France international defender was combative and able to stick to his tasks throughout much of the encounter, though his work was at times sporadically required. That assurance fell short for the goal, as he allowed a run inside him and subsequent screamer into the corner.

Subbed – 75 mins

Virgil van Dijk – 7.0

The captain and leader of this team was probably the premier performer on the pitch, this so many inept showings around him. His aerial prowess was tested and repelled, whereas his recovery was there when called upon. Was unlucky late on as his header from a corner drifted over the bar.

Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0

The Dutch midfielder has been great up until this point and will need to bounce back after a weak performance. Was unable to control tempo or transition and seemed outnumbered to often. With praise must also come criticism and his head coach must now look at how to overcome these types of set ups.

An unacceptable loss at Anfield.

A collectively lacklustre performance from LFC.

Much for Slot to ponder given how many teams will look to replicate today’s simple game-plan from Forest.

— Hari Sethi (@Hari_Sethi) September 14, 2024

Alexis Mac Allister – 5.0

The Argentina World Cup winner looked tired and rattled by a team designed to disrupt the Liverpool engine room. His usual calm was still loitering in South America and it must be asked as to whether he was ready to start once again. Some good moments and passing at times could not hide the drop off in his game today.

Subbed – 61 mins

Dominik Szoboszlai – 3.0

The Hungarian captain was over exuberant and wasteful today, as he tried and failed on countless occasions to impact the game. The interplay and connection with his teammates was non existent and his composure must be reigned in for future appearances. The over confident manner seemed to seep in against a team deemed lesser than the mighty reds, which did nothing for his horrible performance. Should have left the field at half time.

Luis Díaz – 5.0

The Colombian flyer was busy in South America this past fortnight, though largely irrelevant today. Despite one great surge that saw him crash his shot onto the post, he looked very lethargic and unable to make any incisive impact from wide. These sporadic performances will need to be trained out of the former Porto man, as he aims to revert back to recent form.

Subbed – 61 mins

Diogo Jota – 4.0

The Portuguese poacher was more like the invisible man today, with a performance that will now allow his Uruguayan teammate an opportunity to shine. With limited link up and a lack of movement or desire, the former Wolves attacker could not make an impression of this game at all. Very poor.

Subbed – 61 mins

Mohamed Salah – 5.0

The Egyptian King was shackled and unable to break free. The Forest rearguard knew how to stop his penetration and the former Roma winger struggled to overcome a well drilled defensive group. Some bright moments came and went in an instant, as the final ball often evaded the legendary goal scorer.

Don't think you can say anything other than that Liverpool were deservedly beaten there. They just didn't have an answer for Forest congesting the middle of the park and Arne Slot probably better work one one out quickly as that won't be the last time he faces that tactic.

— David Lynch (@davidlynchlfc) September 14, 2024

Substitutions:

Cody Gakpo – 5.0 (on 61)

Came on to add more variety.

Darwin Núñez – 4.0 (on 61)

Came on to add power and pace, whereas confusion was more evident.

Conor Bradley – 5.0 (on 61)

Came on to add a wider and more direct option, but the game state did not suit him.

Kostas Tsimikas – 4.0 (on 75)

Came on.

Curtis Jones – 4.0 (on 75)

Came on.

The Manager:

Arne Slot – 3.0

The Dutch manager was always going to find a stubborn day that involved that dreaded low block sooner or later. I suspect the new Head Coach was ill prepared for the overwhelming numbers game (against the visitors) and will need to learn quickly from this horrible result.

The substitutions were strange and erratic, which points to a lack of a Plan B which will need to be formulated before next weekend.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Liverpool 2 – 0 Nottingham Forest