Slot Searches for Answers Amid Growing Concern
Liverpool’s season absorbed another jolt as they fell to a damaging defeat against Nottingham Forest, a result that deepened concerns about their trajectory under Arne Slot. What unfolded at Anfield was not simply a bad day at the office but a continuation of a troubling pattern: bright spells undone by soft concessions, wasted opportunities, and a growing tension in the stands.
Forest arrived with renewed purpose under Sean Dyche and left with an outcome few expected but one fully earned. Dyche’s plan—rigid defensive structure, incisive transitions, and no hesitation when chances fell their way—was carried out with precision. For Liverpool, this was a display brimming with possession but stripped of cutting edge, and ultimately one defined by avoidable mistakes.
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Forest Strike Early and Strike Hard
The opening-half story belonged to Murillo and the chaos Liverpool created for themselves. Anderson’s flat corner caused panic at the near post, and when Van Dijk failed to clear decisively, Murillo reacted sharply. His swivelled finish beat Alisson, with VAR quickly confirming no interference despite protests from the hosts.
Moments later, Igor Jesus thought he had doubled the lead after another defensive lapse, but VAR spotted a handball in the build-up—another let-off Liverpool failed to turn into momentum. Their response was spirited but capped by frustration. Szoboszlai, Gakpo and Mac Allister all found pockets to threaten, but either Forest bodies intervened or Sels produced decisive handling.
A scrap of encouragement came from Liverpool’s control of possession and expected goals, yet Forest’s ruthlessness—scoring from their first real opening—set the tone. As the half closed, the home side looked frantic and increasingly aware of their desperate need to claw back a result to avoid slipping into yet another damaging defeat.
Savona’s Hammer Blow After the Restart
If the first half frustrated Liverpool, the second stunned them. Within 60 seconds of the restart, Forest sliced through their left side, Williams cutting the ball back for Savona, who made no mistake. A high, forceful strike into the right-hand corner left Alisson rooted and Anfield temporarily silenced.
Slot’s expression grew more severe—his side now required not only reorganisation but a level of conviction they had shown all too rarely in recent weeks.
Mac Allister’s early second-half chance drifted off-target, while Isak, isolated and ineffective, was withdrawn for Federico Chiesa. Later, Konaté departed for Hugo Ekitike, a shift that left Liverpool stretched as Gravenberch dropped deeper. While the gambles produced flashes—Ekitike’s movement, Salah’s determined drives, Kerkez’s overlapping bursts—Forest held firm.
Forest’s Discipline Undoes Liverpool’s Attempts
Dyche’s men remained compact, organised and increasingly confident. Anderson was immense, Sangare continuously disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm, and Milenkovic’s duel with Salah provided Forest with a reliable anchor on the right.
Slot’s side kept pushing, but every attack seemed to hit a wall of red and white shirts. Gravenberch’s penalty appeal was waved away with little hesitation. Gakpo’s direct runs fizzled out. Szoboszlai’s deliveries found no telling touch. Even with Forest pinned back inside their own area for long stretches, Liverpool lacked the fluency or invention to prise them open.
As the minutes ticked away, Anfield grew tense. The possibility of yet another defeat—already five in their last six—hung over the place like a storm cloud. Forest, smelling vulnerability, managed the closing stages expertly.
Troubling Questions as Liverpool’s Form Dips Further
Slot’s public demeanour has rarely slipped, but the strain is becoming evident. Liverpool sit uncomfortably close to mid-table, having lost ground on Arsenal and appeared increasingly disjointed in their title defence.
Forest, meanwhile, not only earned their win but hinted at growing belief under Dyche. Their discipline, sharpness in key moments and structure at the back ensured they emerged with a victory that historically carries weight. Not since the early 1990s have they managed such consistency against Liverpool.
For the champions, the reaction must be swift. The international break was meant to offer clarity and renewed energy, yet the issues that preceded it returned just as sharply. Defeat against Forest may not define their season, but it reinforces the urgent need for stability, cohesion and a return to the standards that carried them to last season’s heights.
