It means a difficult start continues for both new managers. Liverpool follow up their 2-2 draw at Newcastle with another single point, while Glasner at least secured his first positive result with Forest after defeats to Leeds United in both the league and League Cup.
Forest punish Liverpool’s open spaces
Liverpool dominated possession from the outset but struggled for a long time to control Forest’s direct approach. The visitors repeatedly bypassed the press with early vertical passes and quickly reached dangerous areas. Even before the opening goal, Ndoye had gone close with a header.
In the 24th minute, the same pattern worked perfectly. After a long ball from Matz Sels, Igor Jesus held up possession, Morgan Gibbs-White helped move the attack on and Ndoye finished clinically for 1-0. Liverpool thought they had responded eight minutes later through Florian Wirtz, but Jeremie Frimpong had strayed narrowly offside in the build-up. Shortly before half-time, Alisson prevented Forest from doubling their lead by tipping Igor Jesus’ effort onto the crossbar.
Isak equalises, but Forest strike again
Liverpool increased both the tempo and intensity after the break. In the 60th minute, Cody Gakpo broke down the right and fired a low ball across the six-yard box, where Alexander Isak was on hand to turn it in. The Swedish striker had barely been involved until that point but made full use of his big opportunity.
The momentum did not last long. Substitute Liam Delap took a quick throw-in and released Neco Williams into the box. Alisson came off his line, made slight contact with the Welshman and referee Sam Barrott pointed to the spot. Gibbs-White sent the Liverpool goalkeeper the wrong way to restore Forest’s lead in the 70th minute.
Eight minutes from time, Víctor Muñoz rescued at least a point for the hosts. Wirtz picked out the Spaniard inside the penalty area and his powerful, slightly deflected strike crashed in off the underside of the bar. It was Muñoz’s first goal at Anfield on his first start for Liverpool.
Seventy per cent possession tells only half the story
The underlying numbers explain why Liverpool had to settle for a draw despite their clear territorial dominance. The Reds enjoyed around 70 per cent possession, but Forest created the more dangerous chances. The visitors led the expected-goals count 2.30 to 1.61 and recorded 23 touches in the opposition penalty area compared to Liverpool’s 21. Forest also held a 5-1 advantage in big chances.
Liverpool also failed to make enough of their dominance out wide. Only five of their 30 crosses found a teammate, while Forest won 54 per cent of the duels. The Reds edged the shot count 13-12 and controlled possession for long periods, but they never truly controlled the match. In particular, turnovers continued to leave spaces that Forest attacked aggressively with their vertical approach.
Williams and Jacquet among the standouts
Neco Williams was one of Forest’s most influential performers. The former Liverpool player won eight of his 12 duels, registered six tackles, three blocks and three clearances, and also won the penalty for his side’s second goal. James McAtee repeatedly offered relief between the lines, while Gibbs-White followed up his role in the opener by scoring from the spot.
For Liverpool, young centre-back Jérémy Jacquet produced an impressive display. He completed 85 of his 94 passes and won nine duels. Gakpo provided some of the most dangerous attacking moments with his assist and one big chance created, while Wirtz recovered from having a goal ruled out to set up the late equaliser. Isak, meanwhile, needed very few touches to score — a reflection of how poorly Liverpool managed to involve their striker for long stretches.
There was also Austrian interest in the match, with Xaver Schlager playing the full game in central midfield for Forest. He was part of a side that caused Liverpool serious problems, particularly in the first half, with its intensity and aggressive approach to duels.
Iraola critical, Glasner praises Forest’s character
Iraola was openly dissatisfied with Liverpool’s first-half performance. “We were poor in the first half and much better in the second,” said the Spaniard. He was far happier with the intensity after the break, although frustrated that Liverpool failed to turn their strongest spell into a complete comeback.
Glasner, meanwhile, was able to celebrate his first point with his new club after two opening defeats. The Austrian highlighted his team’s mentality above all: “The group has incredible character.” He was also particularly pleased with Delap’s impact from the bench, with the striker’s quickly taken throw-in playing a direct role in the penalty incident.
For Liverpool, however, the 2-2 draw remains a disappointing result. As at Newcastle, Iraola’s team were forced to come from behind twice. Two points from the opening two matches is clearly below expectations at Anfield, while the defensive structure after turnovers remains one of the biggest issues in the opening weeks of the season.
