In their clash against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool’s performance fell far below expectations, culminating in a surprising defeat at Anfield. This marked Forest’s first victory at the iconic stadium in more than 55 years, leaving fans and pundits alike in shock. *The Liverpool Echo* conducted a post-match analysis, grading several key players based on their contributions, or lack thereof, to the game. The ratings, especially for some substitutes, revealed a team that struggled to find any rhythm or impact during the match.
### Alisson Becker’s Evaluation
Starting with Liverpool’s trusted goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, he received a modest rating of 6. Throughout the first half, Alisson had a relatively quiet outing as Nottingham Forest barely tested him, with their attacking efforts few and far between. His main involvement came from his ability to distribute the ball, including a notable moment when he ventured out to the left-back position to pass to teammate Andrew Robertson. However, despite his composure during these sequences, when Forest finally got their golden opportunity to score, Alisson was unable to prevent the goal. Later in the game, he managed to pull off a crucial save from Forest’s attacker Anthony Elanga, yet his overall impact was limited by the lack of sustained pressure from the opposition. While Alisson’s rating was decent, it reflected a game where he had little influence on the outcome, unable to be the match-winner Liverpool might have needed him to be.
### Cody Gakpo’s Underwhelming Performance
Cody Gakpo, who came off the bench in the 61st minute to replace Luis Diaz, found himself rated at a disappointing 4. The young Dutch forward was expected to inject energy into Liverpool’s attack, but his performance left much to be desired. Gakpo struggled to get into the flow of the game, often drifting into central positions where he appeared less comfortable. His lack of sharpness and creativity became apparent, as he failed to provide any real threat to Nottingham Forest’s defense. Whether through misplaced passes or ineffective movement, Gakpo couldn’t create any meaningful chances, and his overall contribution was minimal. The rating of 4 is a stark reminder of the challenges he faced in finding his rhythm on such an important stage.
### Darwin Nunez’s Struggles
Darwin Nunez, another player brought on in the 61st minute alongside Gakpo, replacing Diogo Jota, was similarly underwhelming, also earning a rating of 4. Much like Gakpo, Nunez’s performance was frustrating for both fans and the coaching staff. The Uruguayan striker seemed out of sync with the pace of the game, and his touches were far from precise. Nunez’s decision-making also appeared off, as he struggled to link up with his fellow attackers and mount any serious threat to the Forest defense. His lack of match sharpness was evident, and his inability to provide a focal point in the attack highlighted his current struggles. Nunez’s rating was a reflection of his inability to make any significant contribution during his time on the pitch.
### Curtis Jones’ Limited Impact
Curtis Jones, who entered the game in the 75th minute for Ibrahima Konate, received a slightly better rating of 5. Making his first appearance of the season, Jones’ introduction was seen as a positive for Liverpool in terms of his return from injury, but he had too little time to make any real impact on the match. While he showed glimpses of his ability to move the ball and link up with teammates, there simply wasn’t enough from Jones to alter the course of the game. Despite this, his return to fitness provides hope for future matches, though in this particular contest, his presence did little to change Liverpool’s fortunes.
### A Collective Letdown
Liverpool’s defeat at Anfield was a collective disappointment, with the team failing to rise to the challenge posed by Nottingham Forest. The substitutes, in particular, were unable to shift the momentum of the game, and the overall ratings reflect the lack of energy and urgency from the squad. This defeat exposed several areas where Liverpool needs improvement, especially in terms of how they respond to adversity and the impact of their bench players. The match serves as a reminder that even at fortress Anfield, complacency can lead to shocking results, and Liverpool will need to regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks in the season ahead.
As the team moves forward, there will be pressure on the coaching staff and players alike to address these shortcomings, particularly when it comes to the contributions of their substitutes. For now, this defeat stands as a painful lesson for Liverpool, one that they will hope to learn from as they aim to get back to winning ways.