Liverpool suffered another defeat on Saturday, due to goals Murillo (£5.3 million), Nicolo Savona (£4.5 million) and Morgan Gibbs White (£7.3m) secured three points for Nottingham Forest.
Here are our scout notes from Anfield.
LIVERPOOL LOSE AGAIN
Liverpool had 74.5% possession against Forest on Saturday; however, they could only create one Opta-defined ‘big chance’ for it Alexis MacAllister (£6.3m), marking a new low for their season.
The reigning champions have now suffered defeats in six of their last seven Premier League matches, leaving them in the bottom half of the table.
Forest were ineffective up front and disorganized at the back, but scored the opener from a set-piece, with recurring problems again evident at Anfield.
“We concede too many easy goals. They clearly scored again from a set piece.”
“We were not good in terms of fights, challenges, the struggle, too rushed. It’s a very difficult situation at the moment.” – Virgil van Dijk
SZOBOSZLAI ON RIGHT BACK + WHY KONATE WAS ENABLED
Injuries obviously did not contribute to this Conor Bradley (£5.0 million) and Jeremy Frimpong (£5.7m) among those absent from Gameweek 12.
Dominik Szoboszlai (£6.6m) moved to right-back as a result and created a match-high five chances, although he was later moved back to a more familiar role in central midfield.
“We had to start the game with a midfielder as a right wing-back because both our full-backs are injured. Joe Gomez is also a player who can play there but hasn’t trained all week. I don’t think he was quite ready to start this game.” – Arne Slot
Above: Liverpool’s passing network in the first half of Gameweek 12
Elsewhere at the back, Alisson Becker (£5.4m) returned from injury and started in goal, but Ibrahima Konate (£5.4m) was particularly bad for him and was substituted in the 54th minute with Hugo Ekitike (£8.6m) his replacement.
Ryan Gravenberch (£5.6m) was then used as a makeshift centre-back, with Arne Slot explaining his decision in the aftermath.
‘After I took Ibou [Konate] off, indeed, we played with two midfielders in our last line. That’s right, but we also needed goals. That’s why I brought in Hugo Ekitike for Ibou to bring in a player who can score a goal and just before we conceded 3-0, I went to a 3-3-4 because I didn’t feel like we could create much after my first substitution.” – Arne Slot
Virgil van Dijk (£6.0m) achieved at least defensive contribution points for the seventh time this season (DefCon).
ISAK ANONYMOUS
While Konate has undoubtedly lost his way this season, summer arrival Alexander Isaac (£10.4m) is also struggling to make an impact.
Slot gave the Sweden international a start on Saturday, but he barely touched the ball and managed just one shot on target. He only lasted 67 minutes before being replaced by Federico Chiesa (£6.4 million).
Only from the attacking trio Mohammed Salah (£14.2m) was a four-shot threat.
Above: Liverpool players sorted by shots in Gameweek 12
GIBBS-WHITE GOAL AGAIN
Forest, rejuvenated under Sean Dyche, performed exceptionally well at Anfield.
The Tricky Trees took the lead when Murillo scored the opener moments earlier Igor Jesus (£5.8m) – who harassed Konate and van Dijk throughout – had a second goal disallowed for handball.
Nevertheless, Savona found the net for his second goal in three games.
Gibbs-White also contributed to the score as Forest extended their lead late on. The £7.3m midfielder has now scored four goals in six appearances in all competitions under Dyche.
Elliot Anderson (£5.3m) also impressed in midfield, providing a corner assist for Murillo. He also achieved 16 DefCons, the most he has achieved in a match in 2025/2026.
Above: Anderson has now produced more than 10 DefCons (Tot) in every match he has played this season
FOREST CLEAN LEAF
Saturday’s win at Anfield marked Dyche’s first clean sheet in the league since joining Forest.
In a performance marked by grit, determination and hard work, Liverpool failed to break through a vicious Forest backline, even after 21 shots.
“Every manager has a style, and I have mine. I know what you need as a team. I trust myself for that. They have shown in abundance what we were about in the last four weeks. It feels like four years.”
“I spoke openly when I first came here, the players have tried to find a new line with three different managers in quick succession. It’s a solid marker against a top team today. It’s something to enjoy, a win at Anfield. But we have to go again. Everything is not resolved yet, but it is a good, strong marker. We have changed the tactical style a lot, we are not fainting, forget that. We went long because they would squeeze the life out of us.”
“I know we have players who can play and play good football, but we had to combine it tactically today. We managed to get a foothold and then score a goal. Our form and foundation were very good after that. It’s a different way to win, but it’s still a way.”
“How do you win football matches without the ball? We talked about that. I am very happy with that. The players have executed the plan very well.” – Sean Dyche
With a win against Leeds United and a draw against Manchester United ahead of Gameweek 12, Forest are now set to embark on quite a run of games, sitting fourth in our league. Fixture sticker in Gameweek 13-21.
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