The roar of the Anfield faithful was silenced in a way not heard in over half a century. Babu88 brings you an exclusive, in-depth breakdown of how Nottingham Forest, against all odds, ended Liverpool‘s 100 per cent record under new manager Arne Slot, securing their first victory at this iconic ground since 1969. This wasn’t just a loss; it was a performance that raised immediate questions about the Reds’ tactical direction and title credentials.
A Day of Frustration and Historical Defeat
The final whistle marked more than just three points dropped; it ended a 55-year wait for Nottingham Forest and a pristine start for Arne Slot. The atmosphere shifted from one of expectant dominance to stunned disbelief as Liverpool, despite controlling 70% of the possession, looked uncharacteristically blunt and vulnerable. This analysis from Babu88 delves beyond the scoreline to uncover the tactical missteps, individual struggles, and the defiant spirit of a Forest side that wrote a new chapter in their history.
Dissecting Liverpool’s Attensive Struggles
Lack of Creative Spark and Low Expected Goals
The most glaring issue for Liverpool was their utter inefficiency in the final third. Possession without purpose is a foreign concept at Anfield, yet that’s precisely what unfolded. The team registered a shockingly low Expected Goals (xG) figure of just 0.87, their worst offensive output of the season. For context, they only dipped below 1.00 xG at home once in the entire previous campaign.
Paul Merson, speaking on Sky Sports, captured the sentiment of many observers: “I thought Liverpool were a bit boring. I thought it was slow. When you watched Klopp’s teams play, they break and it is 100mph. It just seemed to go through the phases.” The high-octane, vertical football that defined the Jurgen Klopp era was replaced by slow, sideways passing that allowed Forest to maintain their defensive shape comfortably.
Ineffective Substitutions and Missing Impact
A hallmark of Liverpool‘s success in recent years has been the game-changing impact of substitutes. On this day, that strength became a weakness. Manager Arne Slot’s triple change, introducing Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, and Conor Bradley, failed to inject any life into the performance. Notably, Nunez managed a mere eight touches after coming on.
In a stark contrast, Forest’s substitutes made the decisive difference. Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi combined for the winning goal, highlighting a tactical victory for visiting manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker conceded afterwards, “We didn’t manage to play better – when we made the subs – with the ball.”
Forest’s Blueprint for an Upset
Defiant and Dogged Defensive Display
To attribute this result solely to Liverpool‘s failings would be to discredit a monumental effort from Nottingham Forest. Nuno set his team up with a compact midfield five designed to disrupt and destroy Liverpool’s rhythm. The statistics tell the story of a defiant rearguard action: 3 defensive blocks, 30 clearances, and 5 saves from goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Nuno rightly praised his team’s resilience after the match: “The players worked so hard. The beginning was very hard, Liverpool had us against the ropes but we managed to stay in the game. Defensively we were really good.” They executed a perfect underdog game plan, absorbing pressure and seizing their one golden opportunity.
Exploiting Liverpool’s Vulnerability on the Break
Liverpool‘s sloppiness in possession played directly into Forest’s hands. The Reds were uncharacteristically vulnerable to the counter-attack, a theme Forest exploited multiple times before finally scoring. Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch were caught out of position for the goal, with Hudson-Odoi granted too much space to drive inside and set up Elanga.
Alisson pinpointed this as a critical failure: “We conceded three counter-attacks before we concede a goal on a counter-attack. We should defend it better in those situations… It was poor defending from us.” This structural weakness will be a major concern for Slot moving forward.
Looking Ahead: A Bad Day or a Bad Omen?
So, was this a mere off day compounded by bad luck? Luis Diaz did hit the post, and Van Dijk had a goal-bound flick miraculously cleared off the line. On another day, those chances go in and the narrative is completely different.
However, the performance lacked the intensity and cohesion that fans have come to expect. The disruption of the international break is an easy excuse, but as Babu88 experts note, Liverpool’s historical record after breaks is actually strong. The inquest starts now for Arne Slot. His first major test at Liverpool is not this loss itself, but how his team responds. With a crucial Champions League clash against AC Milan on the horizon, the reaction will be telling.
Liverpool’s Perfect Start Shattered: Babu88 Analysis of Forest’s Historic Anfield Triumph
This defeat serves as a stark reminder of the Premier League’s relentless competitiveness. For Forest, it’s a historic, season-defining win. For Liverpool and Arne Slot, it’s a reality check and a clear indication that the transition from the Klopp era is still very much a work in progress. The pace, the creativity, and the defensive solidity all need urgent attention if they are to challenge for the highest honors.
What did you make of Liverpool’s performance? Were you surprised by the result? Share your thoughts and analysis with the Babu88 community below
