Liverpool Stars Crumble Against Nottingham Forest: Isak's Nightmare Performance Leaves Slot Fighting for His Future

Liverpool's crisis deepened as they suffered their eighth loss in 11 games with a shocking 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

Despite a promising opening, Liverpool found themselves behind at halftime once more, with Murillo scoring from a corner amid offside disputes to increase their hosts' woes. Forest appeared unfortunate not to extend their lead before the break, as Igor Jesus had his goal controversially disallowed for handball.

Forest's disappointment transformed into celebration early in the second period when Nicolò Savona capitalized on Liverpool's defensive frailties, before Morgan Gibbs-White sealed a third to inflict a devastating loss on the home side.

This outcome virtually eliminates Liverpool's championship hopes—with Arsenal holding an eight-point advantage and a match in reserve—while intensifying scrutiny on embattled manager Arne Slot.

Liverpool Player Ratings vs. Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

GK: Alisson—6.2: Powerless to stop Forest's strikes as he endured defeat upon his team return. Met the same destiny as Giorgi Mamardashvili in recent matches and was badly let down by a lackluster defense.

RB: Dominik Szoboszlai—7.3: Stepped in for injured Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, bringing dynamism and offensive menace from the right flank. Tellingly, he also served as Liverpool's most effective defender.

CB: Ibrahima Konaté—6.4: Had significant ball possession, which proved problematic for Liverpool, but appeared unsettled against Jesus. Another shaky display that led to his substitution before the hour as Slot reorganized his formation.

CB: Virgil van Dijk—7.1: Couldn't handle Forest's opening corner as Murillo put the visitors ahead and showed no leadership during Liverpool's crisis moment. Such displays are becoming worryingly common.

LB: Milos Kerkez—6.6: Took Andy Robertson's place in the starting eleven and began energetically, charging down the left wing. Wasted a golden chance to give Liverpool the lead before disappearing as the situation deteriorated.

DM: Ryan Gravenberch—6.5: Appeared fatigued in the middle and was overshadowed by counterpart Elliot Anderson. Liverpool remained predictably vulnerable through central channels.

DM: Alexis Mac Allister—6.7: Woeful defending from the Argentine for Forest's second strike, with the formerly influential creator delivering another weak showing in midfield.

AM: Curtis Jones—6.9: Far from Liverpool's poorest midfielder, yet couldn't inspire the Reds' revival from his advanced position.

RW: Mohamed Salah—6.8: Displayed one moment of magic that excited the Anfield faithful, but returned to this season's disappointing standards afterward. Lacked the crucial finishing touch to spark any comeback hopes.

ST: Alexander Isak—5.5: Slot emphasized the importance of getting Isak into rhythm, giving him just his seventh club start. That rhythm never materialized, with the invisible Swede recording merely 14 touches overall.

LW: Cody Gakpo—6.7: The Dutch winger began positively and featured in Liverpool's most promising offensive sequences. Like many teammates, he diminished after Forest's second goal.

Subs not used: Giorgi Mamardashvili (GK); Calvin Ramsay, Joe Gomez, Trey Nyoni, Wataru Endo.

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Matz Sels; Nicolò Savona, Nikola Milenković, Murillo, Neco Williams; Ibrahim Sangaré, Elliot Anderson; Dan Ndoye, Morgan Gibbs-White, Nicolás Domínguez; Igor Jesus.

Subs used: Omari Hutchinson, Ryan Yates, Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Player of the Match: Murillo

Liverpool Player of the Match: Dominik Szoboszlai

Liverpool 0–3 Nottingham Forest—How It Developed at Anfield

Slot implemented five modifications from the painful Manchester City loss before the international break, many necessitated by injuries to Bradley and Florian Wirtz, and these changes certainly helped Liverpool establish early momentum. They could have taken the lead within ten minutes if Anderson hadn't blocked Alexis Mac Allister's close-range attempt on the goal line.

Liverpool maintained their dominance throughout the first period and generated several promising opportunities. Milos Kerkez missed his chance following classic Mohamed Salah brilliance, while Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo both wasted good scoring chances. Forest barely survived the relentless attacking waves.

However, Liverpool soon paid for their wastefulness as Forest's initial corner produced the game's opening score. Murillo powerfully struck home from short distance, leaving the Reds frustrated by Dan Ndoye's offside position directly in front of Alisson—their irritation stemming from Virgil van Dijk's similar header being disallowed at the Etihad Stadium.

Slot may have been furious that Murillo's goal stood, but luck sided with his team as Forest had an apparently valid second goal disallowed moments afterward. Jesus gathered a cross within the penalty box before shooting into the bottom corner, but referee Andy Madley ruled the effort out for handball during buildup play. Upon review, any contact with the Brazilian's arm was extremely slight—or completely absent.

The Reds provided minimal response after falling behind, clearly shaken by conceding another careless goal, and within sixty seconds of the restart they trailed by two. Savona emerged as the unexpected goalscorer as Liverpool's vulnerable core was exploited again, the fullback skillfully deflecting a cross from former Red Neco Williams.

Forest, quite predictably, retreated deeper into their defensive structure after accomplishing the most difficult aspect of their task, with Liverpool struggling to penetrate Sean Dyche's typically resolute backline. The Reds pressed forward desperately but appeared devoid of confidence in attacking areas.

There was even opportunity for Liverpool's situation to deteriorate from terrible to catastrophic. More questionable defending enabled Omari Hutchinson to strike an effort toward Alisson, with Gibbs-White positioned to finish the rebound on a perfect day for Forest and a nightmarish one for the defending champions.

Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest Half Time Stats

Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest Full Time Stats