Liverpool stunned at Anfield as Forest run riot with goals

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Liverpool’s turbulent season took another disastrous turn on Saturday as Nottingham Forest delivered a commanding 3–0 victory at Anfield, exposing the Reds’ growing vulnerabilities under Arne Slot and deepening frustrations among supporters.

Forest, disciplined and clinical from the opening whistle, capitalised on Liverpool’s defensive frailties to secure a rare and emphatic win on Merseyside.

Goals from Murillo, Nicolo Savona and Morgan Gibbs-White sealed a memorable afternoon for Sean Dyche’s side and left the home crowd stunned.

The visitors took the lead in the 33rd minute following a spell of sustained pressure. A corner from Elliot Anderson caused chaos in the box, and Murillo reacted quickest, smashing a rebound into the left corner. The goal survived a lengthy VAR check for offside and handball, but referee Andy Madley confirmed it stood, sparking wild celebrations from the Forest bench.

Liverpool struggled to respond with purpose, despite dominating possession. Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister all forced blocks or sharp saves from Matz Sels, but the hosts lacked composure in the final third.

Seconds after the restart, Forest doubled their advantage. Neco Williams threaded a simple pass to Nicolo Savona, who finished confidently from close range to make it 2-0. The goal visibly rattled Liverpool, who began to lose shape and discipline as frustration mounted.

Slot attempted to spark a response with multiple substitutions, including the introductions of Federico Chiesa, Andrew Robertson and Rio Ngumoha, but Forest’s compact defensive structure frustrated every attempt at breaking through.

Forest sealed the game in the 78th minute. After Alisson had made a stunning save moments earlier, the rebound fell kindly to Morgan Gibbs-White, who drilled the ball into the bottom corner, sending a deflated Anfield into near silence.

Liverpool’s late efforts, including long-range attempts from Dominik Szoboszlai and Chiesa, were either blocked or sailed off target.

The hosts’ frustrations were evident as yellow cards were shown to Ryan Gravenberch and Chiesa for rash protests and challenges.

The defeat marks one of Liverpool’s heaviest home losses in recent years and raises further questions about Slot’s ability to stabilise the team following an inconsistent start to the campaign.

Defensive errors, wasteful finishing and loss of confidence were evident throughout a match where Forest executed their game plan with precision.