Victor Munoz scores on his full Liverpool debut as the Reds fight back twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Munoz produced a late moment of quality at Anfield, firing home from Florian Wirtz’s pass with eight minutes remaining to rescue a point for Liverpool after Morgan Gibbs-White’s penalty had put Forest back in front.
Forest takes the lead midway through the first half when Dan Ndoye finishes from Gibbs-White’s pass. A simple long ball over the top catches the Liverpool defense out, allowing Ndoye to slot the ball into the net.
Liverpool responds after the break and equalize on the hour mark. Cody Gakpo produces a precise low cross into the box, where Alexander Isak is in the right position to tap the ball into an empty net. The equalizer lifts the home crowd and Liverpool begin to look more dangerous as they search for a second goal.
However, Forest regains the advantage 10 minutes later following a controversial penalty decision. A quick throw-in from Liam Delap catches Liverpool off guard, with Neco Williams racing into the area. Alisson comes out to challenge the Forest wing-back and is adjudged to have brought him down.
Liverpool players protest the decision, but referee Samuel Barrott upholds the penalty. Gibbs-White steps up and sends Alisson the wrong way from the spot, putting Forest 2-1 ahead and raising hopes of a third consecutive league victory at Anfield.
Liverpool refuse to give up, however, and Munoz provides the response they need. With eight minutes remaining, Wirtz finds the Spain winger, who lashes a powerful effort into the net via the crossbar to restore parity.
Neither side can find a decisive third goal, meaning Liverpool and Forest share the points. The result also means neither manager, Andoni Iraola nor Oliver Glasner, records a league victory since taking charge of their respective clubs in the summer.
Forest is the stronger side for much of the opening period and create several opportunities against a Liverpool defense that struggles to deal with the visitors’ direct approach.
Jeremy Jacquet makes an important block to prevent Igor Jesus from converting inside the area, while Ndoye heads narrowly wide from James McAtee’s clipped cross. The pressure eventually pays off when Ndoye gives Forest the lead.
Liverpool appears to have responded quickly when Wirtz finishes smartly 10 minutes later, but the effort is ruled out for offside in the build-up.
Alisson then keeps the Reds within touching distance of Forest shortly before half-time, pushing Igor Jesus’ effort onto the crossbar during stoppage time.
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Forest continues to threaten early in the second half but fail to capitalize on promising counter-attacking opportunities.
The Reds eventually punishes them when Gakpo spins away from Williams and delivers the cross that allows Isak to level the contest.
The equalizer changes the momentum of the match, with Liverpool suddenly looking capable of completing the comeback.
Forest, though, regain their lead through the penalty and appear set to leave Anfield with another memorable victory.
The winger, making his full debut, reacts decisively to Wirtz’s pass and sends the ball beyond the Forest defense and into the net. His goal earns Liverpool a point and prevents Forest from recording a third successive league victory at Anfield.
Liverpool enters the season with a new manager, a new system and several major attacking additions, meaning some patience is expected as the squad adapts.
However, the pressure on Iraola is likely to increase as expectations remain high following significant spending in the transfer market.
Liverpool again shown flashes of their attacking quality through Wirtz and Isak, with both players contributing to goals.
Wirtz looks more influential than in recent outings, while Isak continues to demonstrate his value by finding the net despite a relatively quiet performance. There are still concerns defensively, particularly with how easily Liverpool concede.
The opening Forest goal comes from a straightforward long ball, while the penalty follows a moment of poor concentration from a quick throw-in.
The midfield also looks more balanced after Iraola chooses Alexis Mac Allister instead of Ryan Gravenberch, but Liverpool remain some way from their best.
Further reinforcements could arrive before the transfer deadline, but Iraola will want his side to find greater consistency quickly.
For Glasner, the draw represents a significant improvement after Forest begin his reign with back-to-back home defeats against Leeds.
Forest show greater organization, discipline and attacking intent at Anfield and look capable of causing problems throughout the match.
Neco Williams delivers one of the standout performances, combining defensive determination with a willingness to push forward.
The former Liverpool player makes an excellent early tackle on Gakpo to prevent a clear opportunity and continues to play an important role on the flank.
His involvement in the move that leads to the penalty also highlights his attacking awareness.
Gibbs-White controls much of Forest’s attacking play, while Ndoye and Igor Jesus provide constant problems for the Liverpool defense. Although Forest leave Anfield without a win, the performance offers Glasner plenty of encouragement.
The wait for a first league victory under the new manager continues, but Forest’s display suggests that their first win may not be far away.
Al Jazeera
