In their match against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool’s performance was disappointing, resulting in an unexpected loss at Anfield. This defeat was Forest’s first victory at the stadium in over 55 years, leaving fans and analysts stunned. *The Liverpool Echo* reviewed the game, giving ratings to key players based on their performances or lack thereof. The ratings, particularly for the substitutes, highlighted a team struggling to find momentum or make an impact.
### Alisson Becker’s Assessment
Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, received a modest rating of 6. He had a relatively uneventful first half, as Nottingham Forest’s attacks were sparse. His main role involved distributing the ball, including a notable pass to Andrew Robertson from a left-back position. However, when Forest had their chance to score, Alisson couldn’t prevent the goal. Although he made a crucial save later in the game, his overall impact was limited due to the minimal pressure from Forest. His rating reflected a game where he had little influence on the result.
### Cody Gakpo’s Disappointing Display
Cody Gakpo, who replaced Luis Diaz in the 61st minute, was rated poorly at 4. Expected to energize Liverpool’s attack, Gakpo struggled to find his rhythm and often drifted into less effective central positions. His lack of sharpness and creativity was evident as he failed to challenge Nottingham Forest’s defense effectively. His misplaced passes and ineffective movement resulted in minimal contribution, reflected in his low rating.
### Darwin Nunez’s Difficulties
Darwin Nunez, who also came on in the 61st minute to replace Diogo Jota, was rated a 4 as well. Like Gakpo, Nunez’s performance was unsatisfactory, showing signs of being out of sync with the game’s pace. His touches were imprecise, and his decision-making was off, leading to a lack of connection with other attackers and minimal threat to Forest’s defense. His struggles were evident, and his rating highlighted his limited impact on the match.
### Curtis Jones’ Limited Influence
Curtis Jones, who entered the game in the 75th minute for Ibrahima Konate, received a slightly better rating of 5. His first appearance of the season was a positive sign for Liverpool, but he had too little time to make a significant impact. Although he showed some ability to link up with teammates, his brief presence didn’t alter the game’s outcome. His return from injury is promising for future matches, but in this game, he couldn’t change Liverpool’s fortunes.
### A Teamwide Disappointment
Liverpool’s defeat at Anfield was a collective failure, with the team unable to rise to the challenge against Nottingham Forest. The substitutes were particularly ineffective, and the ratings reflect a lack of energy and urgency from the squad. This loss exposed areas needing improvement, particularly in responding to adversity and the effectiveness of bench players. The game serves as a reminder that complacency at Anfield can lead to surprising results, and Liverpool must address these issues to avoid further setbacks in the season. The team will need to learn from this defeat and strive to return to winning ways.
