This happened again. " That was the sigh of Nottingham Forest fans when witnessing their team draw 2-2 dramatically with Liverpool at Anfield.
This line originates from the impressive results Forest has achieved in recent visits to Anfield, but can also be used to describe another reality: Liverpool is repeating familiar problems. In the final minutes of the match, Dominik Szoboszlai was even pulled down to play right-back when The Kop pushed the squad up to find a goal.
This is only the first match Andoni Iraola has led Liverpool to play in the Premier League at Anfield, but the difficulties that appeared throughout the match evoke the image of the previous season. At that time, Arne Slot also had to witness Liverpool play instability many times, before having to leave the head coach's chair.
Forest came to Merseyside with a remarkable record since returning to the Premier League in 2022. No team has won more victories against Liverpool in this tournament than them, with 3 defeats against The Kop. That achievement added motivation to the away team, when Oliver Glasner's team created some dangerous opportunities right from the start of the match.
In the 24th minute, Dan Ndoye put Forest ahead with a cold-blooded finish into the low corner of the goal. Liverpool once again fell into a chase situation, like the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United in the opening round.
This is also an issue that they paid the price for last season. In 14 Premier League matches where Liverpool let the opponent score first, they only won 1, drew 2 and lost 11 matches.
One of the reasons Liverpool chose Iraola to replace Slot is the ability of the Spanish strategist to build an energetic and attacking playing style. This style is considered suitable for the team's tradition and can create excitement for Anfield fans. However, at Liverpool, the result is still the most important measure and Iraola will soon feel that pressure.
After the break, Liverpool played more brightly and found an equalizer in the 60th minute. Alexander Isak, after a rather lackluster period, was present at the right time to tap the ball close range from Cody Gakpo's pass.
That was Isak's first goal for Liverpool in the new season and also one of the rare bright spots of the home team. However, the "Reds" pushed themselves into a difficult position when they let Forest take the lead again. Neco Williams was fouled by Alisson Becker in the penalty area, creating an opportunity for Morgan Gibbs-White to successfully convert a penalty.
Liverpool seemed to suffer a defeat at home, but Victor Munoz saved the team in the final minutes. Receiving a pass from Wirtz, he launched a powerful shot into the corner of the net, helping The Kop avoid their first defeat in the opening match of the season at Anfield since losing to Chelsea 1-2 in the 2003-2004 season.
However, this draw still extended Liverpool's 6-match winless streak in the Premier League since the end of last season. This is their worst streak since 2012 and reflects the difficulties that Iraola is facing.
Liverpool are preparing to complete the Bradley Barcola deal from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million. This contract will add strength to the attack, but what happened against Forest raises another issue: The Kop need to strengthen the midfield and solve the right-back position.
I can't say anything to you right now, but there are indeed new developments and that's normal" - Iraola replied when asked about transfer plans.
