Liverpool is flexing its title-chase muscles following a 3-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Sunday.
The Reds will finish the weekend within three points of the summit following the win, their third-straight multi-goal win across all competitions.
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Darwin Nunez scored, Dominik Szoboszlai had two assists, and Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah were both amongst the goals in the comfortable win.
Jota held up the jersey of Luis Diaz after Liverpool’s first goal, paying tribute to the player whose parents were kidnapped this weekend in Colombia. His mother’s been freed but as of post time his father remained a hostage.
Nottingham Forest’s three-match unbeaten streak is now a six-match winless run. Their 10 points keep them in 16th, five points clear of the bottom three.
Liverpool a title contender as its best midfield combo may be here
Liverpool is doing what a team needs to do to be a part of a title fight, smashing lower level teams with a decent amount of abandon.
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have been waiting for their best dance partner in the Reds’ midfield, with Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones not quite there, Stefan Bajcetic green, Cody Gakpo inconsistent and better served up top, Thiago Alcantara injured, and Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch still new to the team.
But Gravenberch has been scoring in Europe and he looked quite good on Sunday. More importantly, Szoboszlai was electric and Mac Allister solid with the Dutchman completing their trio.
Liverpool drew at Chelsea and Brighton, beat Newcastle and Villa, and lost to Spurs, so the jury’s out against top competition; But against Bournemouth, Wolves, West Ham, Everton, and Forest? 5-0 with a 14-2 goal differential. Not too shabby (a cakewalk of a Europa League group has helped, for sure).
We’ll find out over time whether the Reds defense can hold up against better attacks and deal with the congestion of Europa League and Premier League title fights, but for now you have to consider this attack a title contender. With Luton and Brentford next in the Premier League, we may not have a real read on Liverpool’s power until a Nov. 25 tango with Man City at the Etihad.
What’s next?
Liverpool go to Bournemouth on Wednesday for a League Cup Round of 16 match before heading to Luton Town at 11:30am ET Sunday, Nov. 4 in the Premier League. Forest hosts Villa 2.5 hours earlier.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest final score: 3-0
Goal: Jota (30'), Nunez (35'), Salah (77')
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest player ratings
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest player ratings (fotmob.com)
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest player ratings (fotmob.com)
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest halftime analysis: 2-0 to the Reds
One-sided and basically settled.
It’s difficult to draw another conclusion from a commanding half from the Reds, who look like a title contender today for sure.
Liverpool’s had 74% possession and has put seven of their 13 shots attempts on frame (USMNT keeper Matt Turner has five saves and has already faced 2.36 xGOT).
Taiwo Awoniyi is on the bench as are rabble rouser Ryan Yates and defender Joe Worrall. Something has to change for Steve Cooper’s men.
Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez quickfire goals
It was coming, and the first finish is straight forward after more good work from Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez. Jota snaps it home, and holds up Luis Diaz jersey in a class gesture to his teammate.
Now it’s Nunez’s turn to score, and it’s a true reaction goal after Dominik Szoboszlai fires a ball toward goal from an acute angle. Nunez gets his leg on it inside the six and the ball fires into the roof of the goal.
2-0. That’s a deep, deep hole for this Forest.
How to watch Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 10 am ET, Sunday (Oct. 29)
TV channel: Peacock
Online: Watch Premier League on Peacock
Liverpool lineup
Our side to take on Nottingham Forest this afternoon 🔴#LIVNFO
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 29, 2023
Nottingham Forest lineup
✌️ Two changes from #NFOLUT.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) October 29, 2023
🔙 Moussa and Ola return to the XI.
🇳🇬 Taiwo back in the squad.
Our line-up to take on @LFC.
📋 #LIVNFO
Focus on Liverpool, injury news
OUT: Andrew Robertson (shoulder), Curtis Jones (suspension), Thiago Alcantara (groin), Stefan Bajcetic (calf)
Focus on Nottingham Forest, injury news
OUT: Callum Hudson-Odoi (hamstring), Divock Origi (hip), Gonzalo Montiel (calf) | QUESTIONABLE: Taiwo Awoniyi (groin), Nuno Tavares (groin), Danilo (thigh), Anthony Elanga (illness), Felipe (knee)