Alan Shearer described Liverpool’s defeat to Nottingham Forest as “no fluke” following Liverpool’s first loss of the 2024/25 season. After winning their first three games, Arne Slot’s Liverpool squad was shocked by a 1-0 loss at Anfield, with Forest securing their first win there in 55 years. The match’s decisive moment came from former Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who scored a stunning goal after coming off the bench.
This result dropped Liverpool three points behind Manchester City, who stayed unbeaten with a win over Brentford. Shearer praised Nottingham Forest’s performance on BBC Radio 5 Live, affirming their deserved victory.
“Nottingham Forest were outstanding,” Shearer said, as reported by *The Mirror*. “Their team defense was superb, and this was no fluke.” He emphasized Forest’s defensive strength, which successfully stifled Liverpool’s attacks, and praised the counter-attack that led to Hudson-Odoi’s goal. “They defended well against Liverpool’s advances and capitalized on the break. What a finish from Callum Hudson-Odoi. It’s been a great start to their season,” Shearer added.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed frustration with his team’s performance, acknowledging Forest’s solid play but criticizing his own side’s inability to create significant chances and their lack of sharpness in crucial moments.
“We cannot be pleased with how the game went. It was disjointed, and we barely created any opportunities,” Slot said. He pointed out the team’s poor decision-making and execution, especially in and around the penalty area. “We need to improve. We lost the ball too often in key areas. Our decisions and execution were inadequate,” Slot remarked.
Slot admitted that while Liverpool’s defense was generally good, Nottingham Forest’s substitutions, particularly the introduction of two quick attackers, posed problems. “We defended well overall, but the fresh attackers made it difficult. We took risks, and it led to a very good goal,” Slot acknowledged.
Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo was thrilled with his team’s performance and their victory over a top Premier League side. He praised his players for their resilience and timely strike.
“The players did exceptionally well. We were under pressure but managed to find our moment,” Nuno said. “I’m very pleased with the team. Liverpool are a strong side, but defensively we were excellent.”
Nuno explained that his wingers couldn’t last the full match due to the demands of tracking Liverpool’s fast runners, necessitating substitutions in the second half. The fresh legs proved crucial, with Hudson-Odoi’s goal securing the win.
“It was impossible for our wingers to play the full 90 minutes given their role. We needed fresh legs in the second half,” Nuno said.
He also praised his team’s composure and control over key moments of the game. “We played well, managed the game effectively, and capitalized on our chances,” Nuno noted. He highlighted the significance of the win for the fans, calling it a special moment.
“This is a moment for our fans to enjoy. It’s brief, but our supporters are incredible, and this boosts the players,” Nuno concluded.
The match underscored the Premier League’s competitiveness, where even title-contending teams like Liverpool can be surprised by lower-ranked sides. Liverpool’s loss was a reminder of the need for improved decision-making and execution, while Nottingham Forest’s win showcased Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical acumen and the team’s resilience.
