Liverpool's disastrous run of form continued Saturday as they suffered a humiliating 3-0 home defeat against Nottingham Forest, leaving manager Arne Slot to take full responsibility for the team's performance. The loss at Anfield marks the sixth defeat in the last seven Premier League games for the reigning champions, a stark contrast to their dominant title-winning campaign last season.
The match saw goals from Murillo, Nicolo Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White, sealing Forest's first away win of the season and their second consecutive victory at Anfield. Liverpool, on the other hand, dropped to 11th place in the league standings, a significant distance from their title rivals.
Slot did not mince words after the game, stating, "No matter what kind of run of form you're in, if you lose 3-0 at home against… a team that did really well today, but it's not really our standards that we are losing a game at home 3-0". He pointed the finger at himself, accepting the blame for the team's lackluster showing.
The defeat highlighted several issues within the Liverpool squad. The defense looked shaky, with Ibrahima Konate, who was later substituted for Hugo Ekitike, struggling to contain the Forest attack. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister also had a difficult game, failing to make an impact defensively. Alexander Isak, who started ahead of other options, also couldn't find his footing.
The game was not without controversy. Forest's second goal was initially disallowed for a handball but was later overturned by VAR. Despite the contentious decision, Forest remained composed and capitalized on Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities.
The Nottingham Forest camp was understandably jubilant after the victory. Morgan Gibbs-White noted how "comfortable" his team felt during the match, highlighting the stark contrast in confidence between the two sides. Captain Ryan Yates praised the team's performance, emphasizing their deserving win and the positive atmosphere in the dressing room.
The defeat raises serious questions about Liverpool's direction under Arne Slot, despite having guided Liverpool to the title last season. The team's inability to replicate their previous success has led to increasing pressure on the manager. While some pundits believe Slot deserves time to turn things around, the alarming dip in form demands immediate action to salvage the season. Liverpool have lost eight of their last 11 games in all competitions.
For Nottingham Forest, this victory is a significant boost as they battle to stay out of the relegation zone. The win demonstrates their resilience and tactical effectiveness under Sean Dyche.
