Match Analysis

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Premier League 2024 Match Analysis

Final Score: Liverpool 0-1 Nottingham Forest

Overview

Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the Premier League season on September 14, 2024, losing 1-0 to Nottingham Forest at Anfield. This match marked Nottingham Forest's first victory at Anfield in 55 years, a significant milestone for the visitors. The game was decided by a solitary goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi in the 72nd minute, which highlighted Liverpool's struggles in breaking down a well-organized Forest defense.

Tactical Analysis

Liverpool's Approach

Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, dominated possession with 70% of the ball but failed to convert this dominance into meaningful chances. The team struggled to break down a compact Nottingham Forest side that congested the midfield and limited Liverpool's attacking options.

Formation and Lineup: Liverpool started with a familiar 4-3-3 formation. Key players included Alisson in goal, a backline featuring Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson. The midfield trio consisted of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai, while the front three were Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Luis Díaz.
Possession Play: Despite having significant possession, Liverpool's play was criticized for being slow and lacking the incisiveness typically associated with Jurgen Klopp's era. The team managed an expected goals (xG) figure of just 0.87, their lowest of the season, indicating a lack of clear-cut chances.
Substitutions: Slot made a triple substitution on the hour mark, bringing on Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, and Conor Bradley. However, these changes failed to impact the game positively, with Liverpool conceding the decisive goal shortly after.

Nottingham Forest's Strategy

Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest executed a well-thought-out game plan that stifled Liverpool's attacking threats and capitalized on counter-attacking opportunities.

Defensive Organization: Forest set up in a narrow 4-3-2-1 formation, focusing on crowding the central areas and forcing Liverpool to play wide. This strategy effectively nullified Liverpool's midfield creativity and limited the influence of key players like Salah and Alexander-Arnold.
Counter-Attacking Threat: Forest's approach involved soaking up pressure and hitting Liverpool on the break. The introduction of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the second half added pace and directness to their counter-attacks. This tactic paid off when Elanga set up Hudson-Odoi for the game's only goal.

Key Moments

First Half: Liverpool's best chance came from Luis Díaz, who struck the post after winning back possession. Despite dominating possession, Liverpool failed to create clear opportunities, with Forest's defense holding firm.
Second Half: The game remained goalless until the 72nd minute when Callum Hudson-Odoi scored a stunning goal, curling a shot past Alisson after a swift counter-attack. Liverpool's attempts to equalize were thwarted by Forest's resolute defending and some crucial saves by goalkeeper Matz Sels.

Player Performances

Liverpool

Alisson (6/10): Made crucial saves to keep Liverpool in the game but could do nothing about Hudson-Odoi's well-placed strike.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (4/10): Struggled to impact the game from right-back and midfield, losing possession for the winning goal.
Virgil van Dijk (7/10): Solid defensively, clearing several dangerous balls but unable to inspire a comeback.
Mohamed Salah (4/10): Largely ineffective, failing to link up with teammates and missing his usual cutting edge.

Nottingham Forest

Matz Sels (8/10): Made several key saves, including a crucial stop from Diogo Jota's header.
Murillo (8/10): Outstanding in defense, making numerous clearances and blocks.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (7/10): Scored the decisive goal and posed a constant threat after coming on as a substitute.
Anthony Elanga (7/10): Provided the assist for the goal and added pace to Forest's counter-attacks.

Managerial Insights

Arne Slot (Liverpool)

Slot admitted that his team was not good enough in possession and failed to create enough chances despite dominating the ball. He pointed to individual performances and a lack of sharpness as key factors in the defeat. Slot's substitutions did not have the desired impact, and his tactical adjustments were unable to break down Forest's organized defense.

Nuno Espirito Santo (Nottingham Forest)

Espirito Santo was delighted with his team's performance, praising