Nottingham Forest executed the Dycheball game plan with pinpoint precision on Saturday as they handed Liverpool their sixth defeat in seven Premier League games, 3-0 at Anfield.
WATCH — Liverpool v Nottingham Forest full match replay
Sean Dyche’s side had just 25 percent of possession and scored two goals from set pieces at one end of the field, and the Tricky Trees frustrated Liverpool to no end at the other. Murillo opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when he turned home an uncleared corner kick, and Nicolo Savona made it 2-0 with his second PL goal seconds after the halftime restart. Morgan Gibbs-White hammered home the third goal after Alisson made a fantastic diving save and the rebound fell to the penalty spot.
MORE — Arne Slot reaction
Liverpool have conceded 15 goals in their last seven games, while scoring just seven themselves. If Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (11:30 am ET), Liverpool (18 points) will be 11 points off the top spot after just 12 games. Their PL title defense is almost certainly over.
Meanwhile, Forest (12 points) are up to 16th in the table after picking up points in three of Dyche’s first four games in charge.
What’s next?
- Liverpool vs PSV Eindhoven — Wednesday, 3 pm ET (UEFA Champions League)
- Nottingham Forest vs Malmo — Thursday, 3 pm ET (UEFA Europa League)
- West Ham vs Liverpool — Sunday, 9:05 am ET (next PL fixture)
- Nottingham Forest vs Brighton — Sunday, 9:05 am ET (next PL fixture)
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest live updates - by Andy Edwards
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest final score: 0-3
Goalscorers: Murillo (33'), Nicolo Savona (46'), Morgan Gibbs-White (78')
GOAL! Liverpool 0-3 Forest: Gibbs-White slams home a rebound from Alisson (78')
GOAL! Liverpool 0-2 Forest: Savona turns home Williams’ cross (46')
GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 Forest: Murillo cleans up after a corner kick (33')
Liverpool starting lineup
Alisson - Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez - Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai - Salah, Gakpo, Isak
Nottingham Forest starting lineup
Sels - Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams - Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White - Ndoye, Dominguez, Jesus
How to watch Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday (November 22)
Venue: Anfield — Liverpool
TV Channel: Peacock and NBCSN
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock
Slot’s side lost 3-0 at Manchester City before the break and the scoreline flattered Liverpool. They had shown signs of recovery before that thrashing at City, as they secured back-to-back home wins against Aston Villa in the league and Real Madrid in the Champions League. But something is off with Liverpool’s balance and they desperately need Mohamed Salah to recapture his best form. Liverpool sit eight points behind leaders Arsenal but they’re not panicking just yet (despite five defeats in their last six) with Virgil van Dijk far from giving up on winning back-to-back Premier League titles.
Forest have found some kind of form under new manager Sean Dyche as they beat Leeds United 3-1 at home before the break, as they built on their impressive home draw with Manchester United. Forest still sit in the relegation zone but are only one point from safety and Dyche seems to have found some defensive solidity as they’ve gone back to being dangerous on the counter.
Liverpool team news, focus
Alexander Isak played for Sweden during the international break and should be ready to lead the line, but now Florian Wirtz is out of the attack through injury. Does Hugo Ekitike start on the left? Or will Cody Gakpo get the nod in that position? There’s also a discussion to be had about whether or not Salah needs to be dropped on the right given his poor form. Defensively Andy Robertson is a lock at full back now, while Alisson could start but Giorgi Mamardashvili’s form means Liverpool haven’t rushed the Brazilian goalkeeper back. Right back is also a huge question as Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong will miss the game.
Nottingham Forest team news, focus
Dyche has largely gone back to Forest’s tactics which worked so well from last season and it has worked well in recent weeks. Forest’s 4-2-3-1 formation has Igor Jesus up top (Chris Wood is close to being fit) and the duo of Ibrahim Sangare and Elliot Anderson in midfield have been so solid and have helped shore things up defensively. Forest will sit back and look to hit Liverpool on the counter.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest prediction
This feels like it will be a really tough game for Liverpool, especially after the international break. They will have to grind it out but they will get the job done. Just. Liverpool 2-1 Nottingham Forest.
