In their match against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool’s performance was disappointingly below par, leading to an unexpected loss at Anfield. This defeat marked Forest’s first win at the famed stadium in over 55 years, leaving fans and experts stunned. *The Liverpool Echo* assessed the performances of several key players post-match, particularly noting the underwhelming contributions of some substitutes. The ratings underscored a team struggling to gain momentum or make an impact during the game.
### Alisson Becker’s Assessment
Liverpool’s reliable goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, was given a modest rating of 6. He had a quiet first half as Nottingham Forest rarely challenged him, with his main contribution being his distribution, including a notable pass to Andrew Robertson from the left-back position. Despite his composed play, Alisson was unable to stop Forest’s crucial goal. He did manage a significant save later from Anthony Elanga, but his overall influence was limited due to the lack of consistent pressure from the opposition. His rating reflected a game where he had little chance to influence the outcome as Liverpool needed.
### Cody Gakpo’s Disappointing Display
Cody Gakpo, who replaced Luis Diaz in the 61st minute, received a disappointing rating of 4. The Dutch forward was expected to energize Liverpool’s attack but struggled to integrate into the game. Gakpo’s performance was marked by poor positioning and a lack of sharpness, resulting in minimal threat to Nottingham Forest’s defense. His ineffective passes and movements underscored his struggle to find form, with his rating highlighting his inability to make a significant impact.
### Darwin Nunez’s Performance Issues
Darwin Nunez, who also entered the game in the 61st minute, substituting Diogo Jota, was similarly rated at 4. Like Gakpo, Nunez failed to impress, appearing out of sync and making imprecise touches. His decision-making was poor, and he struggled to connect with teammates or pose a serious threat to the Forest defense. His lack of sharpness and inability to be a focal point in attack were evident, and his rating reflected his limited contribution on the field.
### Curtis Jones’ Limited Effect
Curtis Jones, coming on in the 75th minute for Ibrahima Konate, received a slightly better rating of 5. Although it was his first appearance of the season and a positive sign of his return from injury, Jones had too little time to make a substantial impact. While he showed some ability to link play, his presence did little to change the game’s outcome. Nevertheless, his return is promising for future matches, though it did not affect the result of this game.
### A Collective Disappointment
Liverpool’s loss at Anfield was a team-wide letdown, with the squad failing to rise to the challenge posed by Nottingham Forest. The substitutes, in particular, could not shift the game’s momentum, and the ratings reflected a lack of urgency and energy from the team. This defeat highlighted areas where Liverpool needs to improve, especially in their response to adversity and the effectiveness of their bench players. The match serves as a reminder that complacency can lead to surprising results even at Anfield, and Liverpool must quickly address these issues to avoid further setbacks in the season.
As they move forward, there will be increased pressure on the coaching staff and players to correct these flaws, especially in the contributions of their substitutes. For now, this loss is a harsh lesson for Liverpool, one they will need to learn from as they strive to return to winning ways.
