Liverpool’s highly anticipated return from the international break did not go as planned, with Alisson Becker admitting that his side lacked quality at both ends of the pitch.
Arne Slot’s tenure at Liverpool began with promise, but he faced harsh lessons in the match against Nottingham Forest.
Seven of his starting XI had played the maximum minutes for their respective countries during the break, and the fatigue was evident as they struggled to find their rhythm.
Liverpool’s momentum was stifled, and Forest capitalized on it.
Alisson Becker was unsighted for Callum Hudson-Odoi’s decisive goal, which was a result of Liverpool’s sloppiness.
In the aftermath of the match, as reported by BBC Sport, Alisson admitted that dropping three points was avoidable, and the team only has itself to blame.
“It was a shame, losing points at home is not good at all but the opponent today only wanted to defend and play for the long ball,” he said.
“We gave them that too easily when they scored, it was poor defensively from us.
“We couldn’t create much, we had a lack of quality today, we needed more energy.
“It is three points we have lost today unnecessarily.
“All the opportunities we had were not clear enough and they defended great, they threw themselves in front of the ball.”
Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels made an impressive save to deny Alexis Mac Allister’s header and had a stroke of luck moments later when he nearly fumbled Luis Diaz’s shot into his own net.
Despite Liverpool’s pressure, Forest began to create more opportunities after the break.
Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga both fired shots off target before Callum Hudson-Odoi produced a stunning strike to break the deadlock.
Forest fans erupted in celebration, while the Liverpool faithful tried to rally their team.
However, clear-cut chances for an equalizer were few and far between.
With this result, Forest climb to fourth in the early Premier League standings, with two wins and two draws. Liverpool remain two places and one point ahead of them.
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