Arne Slot endured a shocking first defeat as Liverpool manager as Nottingham Forest secured their first league victory at Anfield since 1969.
After a perfect start to the season, with maximum points from their first three games and no goals conceded, this result was a major setback for Liverpool. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s stunning 72nd-minute strike and Forest’s resolute defending proved decisive.
Former Chelsea winger Hudson-Odoi curled a brilliant shot past Alisson, finishing off a swift counterattack set up by fellow substitute Anthony Elanga. Despite Slot making all five substitutions, Liverpool struggled to break down Forest’s well-organized defense.
The win was a landmark for Nuno Espirito Santo, marking his first triumph over Liverpool in 12 attempts. Forest’s last victory at Anfield came 25 league visits ago, dating back to 1969 when Bill Shankly was in charge of the Reds.
A thunderous minute’s applause before kick-off honored Liverpool legend Ron Yeats, but it did little to inspire the home side in the opening stages, as Forest’s aggressive and determined approach disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm.
Liverpool had an off day collectively, with sloppy passing and poor decision-making in the final third. Their best chances came in the first half when Luis Diaz hit the base of the post, and Diogo Jota’s close-range effort was deflected off his knee and straight at Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Sels almost went from hero to zero, first making a brilliant save to deny Alexis Mac Allister’s header but then nearly spilling a Diaz header over the line. However, he recovered his form early in the second half, stopping Salah’s near-post effort. On the other end, Alisson was called into action for the first time, saving Chris Wood’s tame shot after a setup from the lively Morgan Gibbs-White.
Liverpool’s frustrations mounted, prompting Slot to make a triple substitution at the hour mark, bringing on Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, and Conor Bradley. The shift saw Trent Alexander-Arnold move into midfield to unlock Forest’s defense, but it was Forest’s substitutes who made the difference. Elanga’s pass set up Hudson-Odoi for a superb finish, capping off a swift counterattack.
Despite desperate late pressure from Liverpool, they rarely threatened an equalizer. Forest held firm to secure a well-deserved win, sending their traveling fans—many too young to remember the 1969 triumph—into joyous celebration.
