Liverpool faced a surprising 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, with Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal in the 72nd minute securing the win for the visitors. This defeat was the first time Liverpool had conceded under new manager Arne Slot, who replaced Jürgen Klopp over the summer.
Despite dominating possession with over 70% and taking 14 shots, Liverpool couldn’t penetrate Nuno Espírito Santo’s well-structured defense. The result was a significant disappointment given Liverpool’s strong start to the season, which included notable victories over Manchester United, Brentford, and Ipswich. This match highlighted several areas for improvement if Slot’s team is to succeed this season.
**Slot’s First Major Test**
Arne Slot had previously enjoyed a perfect start at Liverpool, winning all competitive matches until this game. The loss to Nottingham Forest revealed the team’s weaknesses against defensive strategies. This defeat raises questions about Liverpool’s resilience and how they will handle future setbacks.
Forest’s defensive setup proved difficult for Liverpool to break down, as the team struggled to overcome their compact formation. This game may offer a strategy for other teams to frustrate Liverpool, particularly at Anfield. For Slot, enhancing the team’s ability to handle such defensive approaches will be crucial for a successful Premier League campaign.
One significant issue was the subpar performances from key players, with some failing to replicate their previous form. Notably, Diogo Jota’s poor display suggests he may need to be dropped for upcoming matches to send a strong message.
**Jota’s Struggles**
Liverpool’s challenge against Nottingham Forest was exacerbated by Espírito Santo’s defensive approach. Hudson-Odoi’s goal came from a counter-attack, while Diogo Jota, who played for 60 minutes before being substituted, struggled to make an impact. Jota had three shots but only one on target and missed a clear chance. He completed only half of his passes and lost possession ten times. His overall performance was marked by inefficiency and poor link-up play.
**Performance Breakdown: Jota vs. Nottingham Forest (September 14, 2024)**
– **Minutes played**: 60
– **Shots**: 3
– **Big chances missed**: 1
– **Touches**: 22
– **Passes completed**: 6/12 (50%)
– **Possession lost**: 10 times
– **Duels lost**: 4
– **Dribbles completed**: 0/1
Jota’s inability to maintain possession and his lack of impact in duels led to his early substitution. Given his recent form, he might lose his starting spot for Liverpool’s upcoming Champions League match against AC Milan.
**Possible Alternatives: Núñez or Gakpo?**
Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo, who were substituted in the game, did not make a notable impact. However, either could be considered for a starting role against AC Milan, given Jota’s recent performance. Slot might consider rotating the squad to address Liverpool’s recent struggles and provide other forwards a chance to prove their worth.
**Conclusion**
Liverpool’s unexpected defeat to Nottingham Forest serves as a wake-up call for Arne Slot and his squad. Although they started the season strongly, this game exposed vulnerabilities against defensive teams. Slot now faces the challenge of rejuvenating his team ahead of a crucial Champions League match against AC Milan. With Jota’s poor form potentially leading to lineup changes, Núñez and Gakpo could be key to Liverpool’s rebound. Addressing the team’s intensity in possession will be crucial as the season progresses.
