Nottingham Forest 0 – 1 Liverpool PL Player Ratings
The return of the Premier League campaign saw the reigning champions head to the City Ground, as the Reds feared a continuation of a new manager bounce.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 7.0
The giant Brazilian stopper needed to be commanding and alert as the visitors allowed the hosts to overrun them.
After the restart, the Reds’ world-class keeper was barely tested.
Curtis Jones – 6.0
The England international was steady and alert as he came into the side for the injured Florian Wirtz.
In the second half, the former academy skipper was again able to play his way into the game, showing better promise than many others.
Subbed – 83 mins
Milos Kerkez – 6.0
The Hungarian international was largely ineffective as his side struggled to progress the ball.
After the break, the explosive full-back was again unable to combine with Gakpo who seems unable to interact with full-backs.
Subbed – 83 mins
Ibrahima Konate – 7.0
The French international was needed to cover his underperforming teammate as Forest looked far stronger than the reigning champions.
In the second half, the former RB Leipzig man was powerful and dominating to keep the home side out.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
The captain and leader of this team needed to be concentrated and resilient as the hosts swarmed the flailing guests.
After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was composed in defence and assisted the winner.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0
The Argentine international was outplayed and outmuscled in a poor half of indecision.
After the break, the former Brighton star was able to win the game as a goal filled off was saved by a last-gasp winner.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0
The Hungarian international was lacking in authority and control as the men in red outshone the boys in white.
When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was better and provided the cross for the winning goal.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0
The Dutch midfielder was unable to make any positive impact as the new manager bounced back to the City Ground with vengeance.
After the half-time break, the former Ajax man was a little better as he looked to progress the ball.
Cody Gakpo – 4.0
The Dutch attacker was ineffective and lacking as the game passed him by.
In the second half, the world-class technician was again ineffectual as his performance was limited at best.
Subbed – 77 mins
Mohamed Salah – 5.0
The record-breaking attacker was unable to make any positive impact in a frustrating half.
After the break, the former Chelsea forward was out-marked and overawed at all times.
Subbed – 77 mins
Hugo Ekitike – 6.0
The French attacker was isolated and well marshalled against a team built to disrupt.
After the intermission, the former PSG attacker was unlucky with a point-blank header and was unlucky with a superb breakaway.
Substitutions;
Federico Chiesa – 6.0 (on 77)
Came on to add variety.
Rio Ngumoha – 8.0 (on 77)
Came on to offer superb running and injection.
Man of the match
Joe Gomez – 7.0 (on 83)
Came on to offer decent support.
Andy Robertson – 6.0 (on 83)
Came on.
The Manager:
Arne Slot – 7.0
Was forced into a change which may have affected his first half intent.
The substitutions were well time and Rio made the difference.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:
Nottingham Forest 1 – 2 Liverpool
