Liverpool Player Ratings: Reds Crumble in Nottingham Forest Defeat

Liverpool player ratings paint a grim picture after the Reds endured a shocking 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, piling the pressure on manager Arne Slot as his team’s Premier League title defence continues to unravel.

Liverpool Player Ratings: Defensive Woes and Costly Errors

Liverpool’s troubles began early at Anfield, where a series of defensive lapses and VAR controversies allowed Nottingham Forest to seize control. The visitors broke the deadlock when Murillo capitalized on Liverpool’s failure to clear a corner, slotting past Alisson Becker, who could do little to prevent the opener. VAR was in the spotlight as Dan Ndoye appeared to impede Alisson’s view, yet the goal stood.

The defensive fragility persisted. Ibrahima Konate, fortunate to have a Forest goal disallowed for handball, was substituted soon after Liverpool fell further behind. Virgil van Dijk cut a frustrated figure as he struggled to organize a back four missing discipline and cohesion.

Midfield Misfires: Lack of Control and Missed Chances

In midfield, Liverpool’s usually reliable trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones failed to exert their influence. Gravenberch narrowly avoided a VAR review for a studs-up challenge, while Mac Allister was denied by a last-ditch header from Forest’s Elliot Anderson. Jones, meanwhile, was easily bypassed in the build-up to Forest’s second.

The inability to win individual battles or control the tempo exposed Liverpool’s vulnerabilities, particularly in transition, and left them chasing shadows as Forest’s midfield outperformed them in both energy and execution.

Liverpool Player Ratings: Attack Fails to Fire

Despite flashes of quality from Mohamed Salah—most notably a dazzling run that set up a missed chance for Milos Kerkez—Liverpool’s attack lacked penetration. Alexander Isak endured a frustrating outing, barely touching the ball and failing to register a meaningful attempt before being replaced after 68 minutes. Cody Gakpo threatened in the first half with direct runs but was caught napping as Forest doubled their lead.

Substitutes Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa added little impact, while Andy Robertson struggled to provide defensive stability after coming on.

Nottingham Forest Capitalize: Savona and Gibbs-White Seal the Win

Forest’s second goal was a textbook example of Liverpool’s frailty. Neco Williams exploited space in the box before squaring for Nicolo Savona to finish unmarked. Morgan Gibbs-White capped a memorable day for Forest, firing home their third to stun the Anfield crowd into silence and deepen Liverpool’s crisis.

Arne Slot Under Pressure After Damaging Defeat

The latest defeat raises serious questions over Arne Slot’s tenure as Liverpool manager. Expectations were high following last season’s title triumph, but a string of poor results—especially a heavy defeat at home to a team lower in the table—suggests urgent change is needed.

Slot’s decision-making, including persisting with out-of-form players like Isak, has come under scrutiny. Liverpool’s failure to respond after halftime and their lack of tactical adaptability signal deeper issues that the manager must address quickly if the Reds are to revive their season.

Full Liverpool Player Ratings vs Nottingham Forest

• Alisson Becker (5/10): Helpless for all three goals, returning to action but with little to celebrate.
• Dominik Szoboszlai (3/10): Out of position at right-back, lost his marker for the opener.
• Ibrahima Konate (3/10): Error-prone, rescued by VAR, subbed after falling behind.
• Virgil van Dijk (3/10): Lacked leadership, slow to react on key set-pieces.
• Milos Kerkez (3/10): Missed a gilt-edged chance, inconsistent deliveries, substituted.
• Ryan Gravenberch (3/10): Unable to control midfield, risky challenge escaped VAR.
• Alexis Mac Allister (3/10): Denied by defensive heroics, overrun in the middle.
• Curtis Jones (3/10): Offered little creativity, often dispossessed.
• Mohamed Salah (5/10): Showed glimpses of threat, well marshaled by Forest.
• Alexander Isak (2/10): Anonymous display, still searching for a first league goal.
• Cody Gakpo (5/10): Bright start, faded and failed to track runner for second goal.

Substitutes

• Hugo Ekitike (5/10): No real impact after introduction.
• Federico Chiesa (5/10): Missed a decent chance, unable to shift momentum.
• Andy Robertson (4/10): Overrun defensively, unable to influence the game.
• Rio Ngumoha (N/A): Entered late, game already lost.

Manager

• Arne Slot (3/10): Outcoached and unable to inspire a reaction. Faces mounting pressure after a nightmare result in front of the home fans.

What Next for Liverpool and Slot?

Liverpool’s next tests in Europe offer little respite, with crucial ties coming up. Slot must recalibrate his tactics and potentially make bold selection decisions to arrest the slide. Dropping misfiring players like Isak could be the first step towards finding a more effective formula.

For more news on Liverpool’s season and Premier League action, visit for more news.

Opinion: Time for Slot to Make Tough Calls

In my view, this performance signals a pivotal moment for Arne Slot. Persisting with underperforming stars is costing Liverpool dearly. Slot must show decisiveness—rotate the squad, refresh the approach, and rebuild confidence. Without swift, bold action, Liverpool’s season risks slipping into further disappointment.