Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Premier League 2024 Analysis

Final Score: Liverpool 0-1 Nottingham Forest

Overview

Liverpool's unexpected 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield on September 14, 2024, marked a significant setback for Arne Slot's side. This match, which saw Callum Hudson-Odoi score the only goal, highlighted several tactical and performance issues for Liverpool, who had started the season with three consecutive wins. The loss was particularly jarring given Liverpool's dominance in possession and their previous defensive solidity.

Tactical Analysis

Liverpool's Approach

Liverpool dominated possession with 69% of the ball and had 34 touches inside Forest's box. However, their expected goals (xG) of just 0.94 indicated a lack of clear-cut chances. The team struggled to break down Forest's low block, a defensive strategy that has often troubled teams relying on quick transitions and precise passing.

Arne Slot's decision to maintain the same starting XI that had performed well in previous matches backfired. The team appeared disjointed and lacked the fluidity seen in earlier games. The international break seemed to have disrupted their rhythm, with key players like Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, and Alexis Mac Allister returning late from international duty.

Nottingham Forest's Strategy

Nuno Espirito Santo's tactical setup was pivotal in Forest's victory. Forest employed a narrow 4-3-2-1 formation, congesting the midfield and forcing Liverpool to play through the flanks. This strategy effectively nullified Liverpool's central attacking threats and limited their ability to create high-quality chances.

Forest's defensive discipline was complemented by their effective use of long balls to bypass Liverpool's press. Chris Wood's physical presence up front provided an outlet for these long balls, allowing Forest to relieve pressure and create counter-attacking opportunities.

Key Moments

First Half

• Luis Diaz's Effort: Diaz came closest to scoring for Liverpool in the first half, hitting the post after winning back possession and attempting a quick shot.
• Diogo Jota's Missed Chance: Jota had Liverpool's only Opta-defined 'big chance' but failed to convert Alexis Mac Allister's cross, shooting straight at Forest's goalkeeper Matz Sels.

Second Half

• Triple Substitution: Slot's decision to introduce Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, and Conor Bradley on the hour mark did not yield the desired impact. The changes disrupted Liverpool's shape and made them more vulnerable defensively.
• Hudson-Odoi's Goal: The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute when Anthony Elanga found Hudson-Odoi, who cut inside past Bradley and scored with a well-placed shot from outside the box. Liverpool's defense, particularly Ibrahima Konate and Alisson, were slow to react.

Player Performances

Liverpool

• Alisson Becker (6/10): Made crucial saves to keep Liverpool in the game but could do little about Hudson-Odoi's goal.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold (4/10): Struggled both at right-back and in midfield, losing possession for the winning goal.
• Virgil van Dijk (7/10): Solid defensively but could not inspire a comeback.
• Mohamed Salah (4/10): Below his usual standards, wasteful in possession, and not in sync with teammates.
• Ryan Gravenberch (4/10): Ineffective in midfield, losing possession frequently.

Nottingham Forest

• Callum Hudson-Odoi: The match-winner with a brilliant individual goal.
• Anthony Elanga: Provided the assist for the goal and was a constant threat on the counter.
• Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic: Outstanding in defense, effectively neutralizing Liverpool's attacking threats.

Managerial Decisions

Arne Slot's tactical adjustments, including the triple substitution and shifting Alexander-Arnold into midfield, did not pay off. The changes disrupted Liverpool's balance and made them more susceptible to counter-attacks. In contrast, Nuno Espirito Santo's decision to introduce Elanga and Hudson-Odoi as impact substitutes was a masterstroke, directly leading to the winning goal.

Post-Match Reactions

Arne Slot

Slot acknowledged the team's poor performance, particularly in ball possession and decision-making. He dismissed the notion that the international break was to blame, instead focusing on the need for better execution and composure.

Alisson Becker

Alisson criticized Forest's defensive tactics but admitted that Liverpool's lack of quality and energy was a significant factor in the defeat. He emphasized the need for the team to be more aggressive and better in front of goal.

Conclusion

Liverpool's defeat to Nottingham Forest exposed several vulnerabilities in their approach under Arne Slot. The team's inability to break down a well-organized defense and their susceptibility to counter-attacks were key factors in the loss