Anfield's team in turmoil as Forest storm their fortress for the second time with 3-0 win

Forest's win at Anfield the previous campaign was a blip in an otherwise dominant English top division performances at Anfield for Liverpool. A second successive win this season, a far more convincing success under their manager, was a clear sign of the problems plaguing the faltering champions.

Nottingham Forest's exemplary showing

Nottingham Forest proved impressive as they recorded their most significant victory at Anfield. Goals from the defender, superb at each end of the field, Savona and the magnificent the playmaker spurred a well-earned win for a Forest side that also secured a initial shutout in 20 Premier League fixtures.

Liverpool's struggles

The hosts, by contrast, were a mess as they endured an 8th loss in eleven games to fall into the second tier of the standings. Poor at dead-ball situations, once more, impotent in the final third, consistently, with the striker substituted after 68 uninfluential period, and defensively weak, they failed in all departments to fall to a second successive 3-0 reverse.

Early pressure lacking payoff

For the opening half-hour the home side enjoyed the upper hand, the infrequent attack from the Forest attacker excepted, but the failure to convert chances into the actual outcome of scores proved costly. the midfielder was presented with an initial chance from Gakpo's run into the area only for Anderson to deliver a superb desperate block with his skull. The Liverpool midfielder had a follow-up attempt stopped shortly after while dazzling skill from Mohamed Salah produced another short-distance opportunity for Milos Kerkez. The visiting defender just succeeded to disturb the defender into sending high.

Dead-ball frailty hits once more

Liverpool's coach has repeatedly lamented Liverpool's vulnerability to fast breaks and set-plays this season. He was given further evidence for complaint when Nottingham Forest took the lead through a combination of the both aspects.

The Forest manager was surprised after the forward was unable to find the midfielder in room on the counter and gave the defender a chance to clear. The ensuing corner caused celebratory moments in the away team's area, though, when Elliot Anderson's ball glanced off Virgil van Dijk to Murillo and the defender drilled an irresistible shot from inside the box into the back of the net. There were similarities of Van Dijk's chalked-off strike against Manchester City in the visitors' first goal with Ndoye standing in an illegal position in front of Liverpool's fit-again shot-stopper Alisson.

Video Assistant Referee decisions and dispute

Unsurprisingly, the the skipper was swift to mention the similarities to the official, Madley. But unlike Andy Robertson at the Etihad Stadium, Ndoye made no obvious gesture in front of the keeper and the score was given. The Premier League clarified: "The initial ruling of goal was examined and verified by the assistant – with it considered that Ndoye was outside of the line of vision of the goalkeeper and made no an move that influenced an player."

The home side were saved by the referees and the system two minutes following when the striker thought he had added to Nottingham Forest's lead.

Konaté, who experienced a dreadful match, made an unconvincing attempt to clear an the midfielder's delivery and turned the sphere against the forward, who brought down before finding the net of Alisson's posts. The referee, in discussion with his linesman, disallowed the strike for a handling that multiple reviews were unable to verify or refute. The authority said: "The ruling of invalid score was assessed and confirmed by the system – with it considered that the player unintentionally handled the ball before scoring."

Second strike widens advantage

So much for the let-off. Moments of the restart the midfielder did not cut out a pass towards Williams inside the Liverpool penalty area. Williams evaded from his opponent and presented the visitors' second on a plate for partner full back Nicolò Savona, who located Alisson's top corner with a calm accurate strike.

Strategic changes fail

The manager went for broke, substituting the defender with Hugo Ekitiké after the 55th minute and pairing the French striker with Isak. The tactical shift lasted just less than a quarter-hour before Alexander Isak was withdrawn following a further anonymous performance. Federico Chiesa and Ngumoha were additionally introduced to the Anfield's frontline but sloppiness in play and sturdy visitors' defense kept the Reds at bay.

Late blow wraps up the outcome

The visitors showed the skill and cutting edge that the hosts were without in the final third to decide the game {beyond doubt|out of reach|conclusively