LIVERPOOL 0 VS. NOTTINGHAM FOREST 3
Nottingham Forest – Murrillo 33’, Savona 46’, Gibbs-White 82’,
Pre-Match
Wee-o00 Wee-ooo — Alisson Becker alert! The Brazilian is finally deemed fit enough to return to the team after his long absence. His
presence in the back has been deeply missed these past weeks.
First Half
As expected, Forest are defending deep, trying to absorb Liverpool’s pressure. Liverpool are pushing to break the deadlock, so far to no avail. Alexis Mac Allister is denied when he connects with a pass from Cody Gakpo. Liverpool earn the corner, but nothing comes from it.
Both sides appear cautious as they regain their footing after the international break. Liverpool are eager to impose themselves, and Forest intent on staying compact and organised.
A very patient spell of possession from Liverpool ends with Mohamed Salah twisting and turning on the byline before trying to find Gakpo in front of the goal. The ball is unfortunately cleared before it can reach the Dutchman. Salah looks likely and ready to make something happen today. Hopefully we get to see some of his magic.
Alisson makes his first big contribution to the game at about 25 minutes in. He executes a diving save on a low shot from distance.
Doesn’t matter much though, unfortunately, as they concede a few minutes later in a way that is becoming disturbingly familiar recently. It starts with a corner. Murillo flicks it down and buries it in the back of the net. There’s a VAR check, but the goal stands. Ok, here we go again.
Mac Allister gets off a tame header that’s easily dealt with by the goalkeeper. Five minutes of added time amount to nothing. The Reds look lethargic and poor these last 15-20 minutes. They go into halftime down a goal.
Second Half
Early in the second half, Forest strike again. This time it’s Nicolo Savona who scores almost immediately after the reset to make it 2-0.
Liverpool are dominating possession and look to respond, but just as in other games of late, they are struggling to break down Forest’s defence. Forest have been making the most of their chances on the break, but thankfully haven’t gotten a third.
Hugo Ekitike comes on for Ibrahima Konaté to create some kind of spark in the attack.
Salah, who is doing well despite the poor showing of the team, has a penalty shout waved away by the referee.
The next changes are made for the Reds, with Andy Robertson and Federico Chiesa on for Milos Kerkez and Alexander Isak.
Rio Ngumoha comes on for Curtis Jones.
At this point, I feel like we should be having potential relegation crisis talks (ok, not really, but what the hell). Forest strike again. Morgan Gibbs-White slots in the rebound after Alisson initially makes a save.
Final Thoughts
I hate this so much.
