Callum Hudson-Odoi’s superb second-half strike sprung an upset for Nottingham Forest, who won at Anfield for the first time in 55 years via Saturday’s 1-0 win over Liverpool.
The Tricky Trees stay unbeaten with the win thanks to a brilliant counter attack started by new signing Nikola Milenkovic and finished by super subs Anthony Elanga and Hudson-Odoi, as Forest move onto eight points.
Liverpool were a perfect 3-0-0 following their Week 3 defeat of Manchester United, but new manager Arne Slot watched his team concede for the first time in the Premier League en route to the loss.
Nottingham Forest get a big win to go with decent results against lesser foes, having beaten Southampton while drawing Bournemouth and Wolves. Nuno Espirito Santo has kept hold of Morgan Gibbs-White and is showing the Tricky Trees some success and calmness at the wheel of what’s been a wild ride the past two seasons.
Nuno Espirito Santo pushes right buttons at right time
Nottingham Forest had been controlled over 45 minutes, and the second half started the same way. Nuno Espirito Santo would know a draw at Anfield would be accepted if not praised, but instead opted to go for it.
The Forest boss removed steadiness and size on the wings — Elliot Anderson and Nicolas Dominguez — and put in creative forwards Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Goodness, did it pay off!
The Nikola Milenkovic-sprang counter attack was touched to Elanga by Morgan Gibbs-White. Elanga’s fantastic long-range assist across the field to Hudson-Odoi saw the Englishman drop a pinpoint shot across goal and just inside the low post. The marvelous pass curled around one of Liverpool’s subs, Conor Bradley, and it feels like a masterstroke from Forest’s unbeaten boss.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest player ratings
Liverpool were strong in the middle of the park and their back line, while Forest’s best danger came via their wide men. The difference was a Luis Diaz shot off the bar, a less-than-perfect Mohamed Salah, and that incredible rush from Forest that led to one of the goals of the season.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Whats next?
Liverpool have to find their finishing boots for a Tuesday trip to AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League. They’ll return to Anfield for a 10am ET Saturday (Sept. 21) scrap with Bournemouth.
It doesn’t get easier for Forest, as they go to Brighton at 9am ET on Sunday, Sept. 22.
How to watch Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday
Venue: Anfield
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Streaming: Premier League on Peacock
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest live updates — By Nick Mendola
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest final score: 0-1
Callum Hudson-Odoi (73')
Reds keep pushing
Conor Bradley and Virgil van Dijk have produced good chances, but Murillo blocked the former opportunity before VVD’s header floated over the keeper and the cross bar.
Super sharp goal from the visitors! Liverpool 0-1 Forest (73rd minute)
This is special stuff.
Nikola Milenkovic makes a terrific tackle on the edge of the Forest 18 and that sends the visitors on their way.
Super subs connect as Anthony Elanga sends a super incisive, curling cross onto the path of Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Hudson-Odoi gets a little space from Bradley, dribbles centrally, and curls a pinpoint low strike inside the far post.
Wow! 1-0 to Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool getting closer as time ticks away
Arne Slot moved Trent Alexander-Arnold into the midfield for Alexis Mac Allister, putting Conor Bradley at right back, and Liverpool have had more and more chances.
Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez are also in — for Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz — while Forest’s introductions of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi have made them more tricky on the counter.
0-0, 71'
Salah getting sharper
The Egyptian King is cooking now, and he’s finally shook Alex Moreno inside the box.
A couple of quick cuts lead to a hard shot, but Sels doesn’t wilt and blocks the 52nd-minute effort.
Halftime — Liverpool 0-0 Nottingham Forest
Forest are yet to register a shot attempt and have held just 34% possession.
Mohamed Salah has been busy but not his sharpest and Matz Sels has otherwise been there for the visitors.
Anfield sounds up for this and Liverpool are in total control aside from the score sheet. But that’s a big qualifier.
The Tricky Trees have two players on yellows in Alex Moreno and Ryan Yates, the latter of whom is always on the edge of another.
Reds set up an Olimpico
Virgil van Dijk is standing right behind Forest keeper Matz Sels, and there’s traffic in front of him, too.
Forest is trying move VVD as Trent Alexander-Arnold tries to whip the corner kick into the goal. Sels rescues it off the line.
Liverpool push for another chances and Sels makes a great save to keep it scoreless in the 37th minute.
Slow start finally yields chances
The first 20 minutes were gritty and tense but here are a couple of moments.
Murillo plays Morgan Gibbs-White into the box. He dinks wide of the far post, beating Alisson Becker but not the goal line nor the assistant referee’s flag.
Then the other end, Alexis Mac Allister cues up Diogo Jota but he can’t do a lot with a tough but dangerous chance.
Still scoreless, 27'.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest team news
More of the same for Liverpool, and that’s not a surprise, while Forest appear to be meeting a 4-2-3-1 with a 4-2-3-1. Can James Ward-Prowse and Ryan Yates muck up Liverpool’s dominant midfield enough to give the Tricky Trees a chance to flourish in attack? And can Elliot Anderson and Nicolas Dominguez show enough danger to keep Liverpool’s fullbacks honest?
Liverpool lineup
Alisson, Robertson, Van Dijk, Konate, Alexander-Arnold, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota.
Nottingham Forest lineup
Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno, Yates, Ward-Prowse, Dominguez, Gibbs-White, Anderson, Wood.
Liverpool focus, team news
Liverpool is still being driven by Mohamed Salah and watched over by goalkeeper Alisson Becker and center back Virgil van Dijk, with Salah and Van Dijk both in frame for new contracts with the legendary club. Arne Slot is waiting to see whether Federico Chiesa is ready for his Premier League debut.
OUT: Harvey Elliott (foot)
Nottingham Forest focus, team news
Chris Wood has been finding the back of the net, and the Kiwi is enjoying continued strong play from set-up man Morgan Gibbs-White. Ibrahim Sangare and Elliot Anderson are also impressing for the Tricky Trees.
OUT: Danilo (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Ibrahim Sangare (undisclosed), Willy Boly (lower leg)
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest prediction
Surely this is a bridge too far for Forest’s plans of a longer unbeaten season. They may threaten goal a few times and even end the Reds’ perfect defensive record, but an early goal would be key for either side. Slot’s Liverpool appear capable of controlling any games. At Anfield? They should be even stronger. Liverpool 3-1 Forest.
