Liverpool’s Anfield fortress failed to hold firm on Saturday as Nottingham Forest claimed a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw that left Andoni Iraola still searching for his first Premier League win in charge. The visitors twice led through Dan Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White, only for Alexander Isak and Víctor Muñoz to haul the hosts level, the latter’s deflected strike arriving in the 82nd minute to salvage a point.
A late twist denies Iraola’s first Anfield win
Iraola’s introduction to Anfield as Liverpool manager began with a performance that offered glimpses of promise but ultimately lacked the composure required to see out a victory. Forest, under Oliver Glasner, exploited Liverpool’s defensive fragility early, with Ndoye’s first-half strike exposing gaps behind the high line. The opener arrived after a long ball from Matz Sels bypassed Liverpool’s backline, leaving Ndoye through on goal—though his initial chance was squandered, the rebound fell to Gibbs-White, who then set up the Gabonese forward for the finish.
Liverpool’s response was swift. Cody Gakpo, operating on the right flank, carved out a chance for Isak, who equalised in the 60th minute. The Swede’s finish followed a low cross from the Dutchman, though Forest nearly restored their lead moments later when Alisson denied Igor Jesus with a crucial save. But the visitors regained the lead in the 70th minute when a debatable penalty was awarded following a foul by Alisson on Neco Williams, and Gibbs-White converted with clinical precision.
With 20 minutes left and Liverpool staring at defeat, Iraola turned to Víctor Muñoz, who had been introduced for Gakpo. The new signing made an immediate impact, lashing home a deflected effort from the right to restore parity. The goal, a powerful drive that took a slight deflection, ensured Liverpool salvaged a draw but left questions over their ability to defend leads under pressure.
Forest’s direct approach tests Liverpool’s resolve
Glasner’s side arrived at Anfield with a clear game plan: bypass Liverpool’s midfield with long balls and exploit the pace of Ndoye and Jesus. The strategy paid dividends early, with Forest’s first attack nearly yielding a goal inside six minutes. Liverpool’s high line, a hallmark of Iraola’s tenure, was repeatedly exposed, and only Alisson’s intervention prevented a more substantial deficit before half-time.
Forest’s second goal, a penalty conceded by Alisson’s challenge on Williams, highlighted Liverpool’s defensive lapses in transition. While the foul itself was debatable, the incident underscored a broader issue: Liverpool’s inability to adjust their shape when under sustained pressure. The introduction of Muñoz, however, injected a new dynamic, with the winger’s direct running and shooting providing a fresh threat that Forest struggled to contain.
Despite the draw, Forest will feel aggrieved not to have claimed all three points. Their attacking intent was rewarded with two goals, but their profligacy in front of goal—Jesus twice denied by Alisson and Jacquet’s block on a close-range effort—cost them a potential victory. Glasner’s side now head to their next fixture with confidence, while Liverpool must address their defensive vulnerabilities if they are to build on this performance.
What comes next for both sides
For Liverpool, the draw extends Iraola’s winless start to his Anfield reign, though the performance contained encouraging signs. The arrival of Bradley Barcola, expected imminently, could provide the attacking spark that transforms these displays into wins. Until then, Iraola will need to tighten his team’s defensive structure, particularly against teams who target Liverpool’s high line with direct play.
Forest, meanwhile, will take heart from their resilience and tactical discipline. Their ability to exploit Liverpool’s weaknesses suggests they are capable of competing with the league’s top sides, provided they improve their finishing. Glasner’s side now face a run of fixtures that could define their season, and a positive result in their next outing would further cement their status as a team capable of punching above their weight.
As the dust settles on a chaotic afternoon at Anfield, both teams are left with work to do. Liverpool’s defensive frailties remain a concern, while Forest’s attacking potential is undeniable. For Iraola and Glasner alike, the challenge now is to refine their approaches and turn these draws into victories.
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