Liverpool’s first Premier League game at Anfield under Andoni Iraola ended in frustration. For the second consecutive match, the Reds had to come from behind twice to salvage a 2–2 draw, with Alexander Isak and VÃctor Muñoz cancelling out goals from Dan Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White.
For Liverpool, there were genuine signs that Iraola’s attacking ideas are beginning to emerge. But the bigger story was familiar, Liverpool are far too easy to hurt when their press and defensive line aren’t synchronised.
Forest deserved their first-half lead and Liverpool’s opening 45 minutes were poor.
Forest didn’t simply sit deep and hope to survive. Oliver Glasner’s team were aggressive enough to disrupt Liverpool and repeatedly found opportunities when the hosts lost their defensive shape.
Before scoring, Forest had already generated several chances. Jérémy Jacquet needed a last-ditch intervention to stop Igor Jesus, while Ndoye threatened from James McAtee’s delivery.
The breakthrough on 24 minutes encapsulated Liverpool’s problem. Liverpool attempted to push their defensive line forward, but the offside trap wasn’t coordinated properly. Igor Jesus remained onside, Forest suddenly had Liverpool retreating towards their own goal, and Ndoye eventually finished Gibbs-White’s pass.
That wasn’t simply an individual defensive mistake. It was a structural problem. Iraola wants Liverpool defending aggressively and high up the pitch. But when the press doesn’t pressure the ball and the defensive line simultaneously steps forward, opponents can attack enormous spaces behind it.
That’s the risk Liverpool haven’t yet mastered. Liverpool controlled the ball without controlling the game.The final possession figure—70% Liverpool, 30% Forest—looks overwhelmingly in Liverpool’s favour. It wasn’t.
Liverpool had 15 shots to Forest’s 12, with six on target compared with Forest’s three. Forest also created several genuinely dangerous situations despite having less than one-third of the possession. Liverpool were controlling possession. Forest were frequently controlling where the dangerous moments happened.
The Reds’ circulation was too slow during the first half, exactly the opposite of the frantic, aggressive football Iraola wants. He admitted afterwards that Liverpool needed greater urgency and intensity, particularly without the ball.
In the Second half: finally, Iraola’s Liverpool appeared. The difference after half-time was significant. Liverpool moved the ball faster, pressed with greater urgency and started pinning Forest back. And Cody Gakpo became increasingly influential.
On 60 minutes he attacked down the right and delivered an excellent low cross through the six-yard box. Waiting at the back post was Alexander Isak with a tap in to make it 1-1
It was Isak’s first league goal of the season, but his overall involvement remains something Iraola needs to solve. Despite scoring, Isak registered only 12 touches—the fewest of any Liverpool starter. That’s extraordinary for a striker of his quality.Liverpool aren’t yet consistently finding him between defenders or giving him opportunities to combine around the penalty area.
And then Liverpool shot themselves in the foot again Liverpool had momentum.Ten minutes after equalising, they were behind again.Forest debutant Liam Delap reacted quickly to take a throw-in and release Neco Williams into Liverpool’s penalty area.Liverpool went to sleep. Alisson challenged Williams, the referee awarded Forest a penalty and Morgan Gibbs-White converted.
There was controversy surrounding the penalty and also frustration because technical problems with the fourth official’s substitution board had delayed Liverpool’s planned changes. But Liverpool can’t really hide behind either issue. Forest’s quick restart caught them asleep.
That’s the recurring concern.Both Forest goals came from situations where Liverpool’s defensive concentration and organisation disappeared at crucial moments.
VÃctor Muñoz announces himself at Anfield And then came Liverpool’s biggest positive.The summer signing was making his first Premier League start and had been trying relentlessly to make something happen.
Not everything worked. He attempted four take-ons without completing one and occasionally looked like a young winger desperate to impress his new crowd.
But he never stopped attacking. And in the 82nd minute, he got his reward.
Florian Wirtz found Muñoz inside the area. He controlled the ball on the turn and smashed his finish into the roof of the net.
That’s an important goal for Iraola.
Muñoz has immediately demonstrated the characteristic his manager wants from wide players: keep attacking your opponent even after you’ve failed several times. Iraola specifically praised that persistence afterwards, noting that Muñoz had repeatedly continued trying to create danger while also contributing defensively.
So what can Liverpool take from this. For One Muñoz looks exciting. There’s a rawness to his game, but he’s direct, brave and clearly comfortable attacking the penalty area. His goal was superb.
Gakpo looked dangerous. His delivery for Isak’s equaliser was one of Liverpool’s best attacking moments.
Its 2 points and 2 draws and early days. But nothing wow from Liverpool
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