Match Analysis

Detailed Analysis of Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest (Premier League 2024)

Final Score

Liverpool 0-1 Nottingham Forest

Match Overview

The match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on September 14, 2024, at Anfield ended in a surprising 1-0 victory for Nottingham Forest. This result marked Forest's first win at Anfield in 55 years, a significant achievement for the club. Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the only goal of the match in the 72nd minute, delivering a stunning strike that curled in off the post.

Tactical Analysis

Liverpool's Approach

Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, struggled to break down a well-organized Nottingham Forest defense. Slot's approach, which emphasizes control and possession, was evident as Liverpool dominated possession with 69%. However, they failed to convert this dominance into meaningful chances, registering an expected goals (xG) of just 0.94.

Key Issues:

Lack of Cutting Edge: Despite having 34 touches inside Forest's box, Liverpool's attack lacked the sharpness and creativity needed to break down a deep-lying defense. The only significant chances came from Luis Diaz, who hit the post, and Diogo Jota, who failed to convert a close-range opportunity.
Midfield Struggles: Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, who had been key players in previous matches, were off their game. Szoboszlai, in particular, lost possession 18 times and was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card for a petulant act late in the game.
Defensive Lapses: The goal conceded was a result of poor defending. Conor Bradley allowed Hudson-Odoi too much space to cut inside and shoot, while Ibrahima Konate and Alisson were slow to react.

Nottingham Forest's Approach

Nottingham Forest, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, executed a well-planned defensive strategy. They sat deep, absorbed pressure, and looked to hit Liverpool on the counter-attack.

Key Strengths:

Defensive Organization: Forest's defense was resolute, with goalkeeper Matz Sels making crucial saves and the backline throwing bodies in front of shots. They limited Liverpool to just one 'big chance' throughout the match.
Effective Counter-Attacks: Forest's goal came from a swift counter-attack. Anthony Elanga, who had missed an earlier chance, set up Hudson-Odoi, who finished with a sublime strike from outside the box.
Midfield Discipline: Forest's midfielders were disciplined in their roles, cutting off passing lanes and forcing Liverpool into wide areas where they were less effective.

Player Performances

Liverpool

Alisson (6/10): Made a crucial save to keep the score at 1-0 but could do little about Hudson-Odoi's strike.
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 in defense but could not inspire a comeback.
Dominik Szoboszlai (4/10): Ineffective and nearly got sent off for a second yellow card.
Mohamed Salah (4/10): Below his usual standards, wasteful in possession and not in sync with teammates.

Nottingham Forest

Matz Sels (7/10): Made crucial saves and commanded his area well.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (8/10): Scored the winning goal with a brilliant strike and was a constant threat.
Anthony Elanga (7/10): Provided the assist for the goal and was lively throughout.

Managerial Decisions

Arne Slot (Liverpool)

Slot's decision to make a triple substitution on the hour mark, introducing Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, and Conor Bradley, did not have the desired effect. The changes disrupted Liverpool's rhythm, and the team looked disjointed thereafter. Slot's tactical shift to a back three late in the game also failed to yield results.

Nuno Espirito Santo (Nottingham Forest)

Nuno's game plan was executed to perfection. His decision to bring on Hudson-Odoi and Elanga paid off, with both substitutes playing pivotal roles in the goal. Forest's defensive setup and counter-attacking strategy were spot on.

Post-Match Reactions

Liverpool

Arne Slot: Described the defeat as a "big setback" and criticized the team's lack of aggression and poor decision-making in the final third.
Virgil van Dijk: Called the performance "unacceptable" and highlighted the team's failure to win second balls and create clear chances.

Nottingham Forest

Callum Hudson-Odoi: Celebrated the