Forest, Liverpool Share Spoils At Anfield

 

Nottingham Forest held their hosts, Liverpool, to a 2-2 draw at Anfield, despite a comeback effort from the Reds in the closing stages. 

Unlike the previous season, Liverpool remained winless in their first two Premier League games. In the previous game, they drew 2-2 against Newcastle United, and today they had to fight back to get a draw against Forest. 

Dan Ndioye struck the opening goal following a counter. Liverpool defenders could not clear the ball from Igor Jesus, leading to Gibb-White setting up Ndioye for a strike inside the penalty area. The scores were leveled after the halftime break when Alexander Isak tapped in Cody Gakpo's cross. 

Allison's rough tackle on on-rushing Neco Williams drew a penalty for Forest. Gibbs-White converted the spot-kick, giving Forest the lead. Liverpool regained level terms when Florian Wirtz's pass broke through the defense, setting Munoz to strike the ball into the right corner. 

Liverpool have now gone winless back-to-back. Last season, they were unbeaten in five consecutive Premier League games before losing to Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Forest are still winless in three consecutive games. They lost their previous game to Leeds United, who knocked them out if the EFL Carabao Cup, winning 2-0 in the midweek match. 

Overview 

Liverpool played it open for Forest to gain the upper hand on the counter. The Reds dominated the game but repeatedly have to deal with Igor Jesus and Ndioye latching onto the box. 

Gakpo was influential to Liverpool's comeback, and Szoboszlai was the playmaker, keeping the pressure on Forest. Newly-signed Liam Delap made his debut, replacing Ndioye.

Missed Chances 

Forest had the first chance inside the Reds' box when Ndioye latched onto an aerial ball inside the six-yard box. Frimpong and Allison reacted quickly to block the ball. 

Writz came close to leveling the scores with a header, and Mac-Allister's curly shot narrowly missed the left corner. Ndioye was close to doubling his goal tally in the first. He struck an effort from inside the box, forcing a save from Allison in the closing minutes of the first half.