“Five Major Takeaways for Arne Slot as Liverpool Fall to Nottingham Forest at Anfield”
“Five Key Lessons Arne Slot Discovered as Liverpool Crumble to Nottingham Forest at Anfield”
Arne Slot’s Liverpool failed to continue their purple patch in the Premier League as they fell to defeat against Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday afternoon
Arne Slot’s Liverpool failed to continue their perfect start to the Premier League season as they lost against Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
Slot’s men came into the side boasting three wins from three matches without conceding a goal. The Reds came into the match with an unchanged side from the victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford a fortnight ago. However, new man Federico Chiesa was still not in the match-day squad.
The pre-match statistics were also on Liverpool’s side; they were unbeaten in their previous 25 home fixtures against Nottingham Forest – albeit many of these were decades ago before Forest returned to the English top flight three seasons ago.
Luis Diaz almost gave the Reds an early lead when his persistence resulted in him picking the pocket of Ryan Yates who tried to shepherd the ball out of play only for the winger to steal it before striking the post with a sharp shot – a let-off for Forest.
Despite a few half chances for Liverpool, it was a quiet first half at Anfield despite Liverpool having much of their possession in Forest’s half they could not quite unlock the defence early on.
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As the second period progressed Liverpool could still not break the deadlock despite several half chances and it started to feel like ‘one of them days’ for Liverpool supporters. Their day went from bad to worse when they were caught on the break before Callum Hudson-Odoi curled a stunning striker past Alisson to shock Anfield – the first goal Liverpool have conceded this season.
Anfield grew anxious which transferred onto the pitch as the players ran out of ideas. Next up for Liverpool is a trip to the San Siro where they face AC Milan on Tuesday before playing host to Bournemouth next weekend at Anfield.
“Patience with Federico Chiesa Falls Short”
Although many Liverpool supporters may have been looking forward to seeing their new Italian winger in action it was sensible to leave him out in order to gain fitness while he is still getting used to a new style of play and general culture of the country. Other managers may have tried to field the player but with Liverpool’s forward options, this would not have been the best decision if it is correct that Chiesa is yet to be 100% up to speed. There is nothing to suggest the result would have been different if he played.
“Ryan Gravenberch’s Struggles with Inconsistency”
Once again the Dutchman looked cool, calm and confident pulling the strings in Liverpool’s midfielder. Last season, he struggled to nail down a starting place under Jurgen Klopp who seemingly did not know what his best position across the midfield was. However, in the first four games of this season, he looks a man transformed under his Dutch counterpart Slot.
Before the season began, it was widely reported Liverpool wanted a ‘number six’ which resulted in them trying but failing to sign Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi. As a result, Gravenberch stepped in and once again put in an immaculate display against Nuno Espirito Santo’s outfit dictating the play seemingly at will for much of the afternoon. It was fitting how he played as former midfield magician Thiago watched on from the stands. However, as the game stretched in the second half he did not have the same influence on proceedings. He was made to pay when Forest attacked before their goal on 73 minutes, the midfield was stretched and punished.
“On a Different Day, It All Comes Together”
Similar to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool teams the Reds pressed the opposition with speed at certain points of play. However, the main difference from Klopp’s style: everything is calculated and seems to be driven by signals to ‘go’ or ‘stay’. On numerous occasions the front free would press the panicking Forest defenders at will; usually resulting in a turnover in possession which played to Liverpool’s advantage for much of the afternoon. Of course, this will be easier to implement against lesser sides but the encouraging signs are certainly there for all to see at Anfield. The pressing did not pay, as Nuno masterminded a victory at Anfield against the run of play.
“Trusting the Process Fell Short”
Although Liverpool’s first-half performance was not vintage, Slot decided to field the same XI that started the game for the second half despite having options off the bench. However, once the hour mark rolled around Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Conor Bradley were introduced. None of the changes really made a difference. On another day this may have paid off, but it is still early in his tenure and substitutions are always something of a lottery in football.
“The Premier League: Where Only the Strongest Survive”
Although life may have started swimmingly for Slot, today was a real eye-opener as to what to expect in the Premier League this season. In other leagues, teams may come to the top sides with fear but most sides in England’s flagship division can win anywhere on their day. It will now be interesting to see how Slot reacts after cutting a relaxed figure so far in his reign.
