Nottingham Forest fans have an afternoon to remember after stunning Liverpool to a 1-0 victory at Anfield courtesy of a Callum Hudson-Odoi goal. Liverpool’s 100% record comes to an end under Arne Slot while Forest remain unbeaten in the league.
Slot named an unchanged team from their 3-0 triumph over rivals Manchester United as he looked to keep up his perfect start after replacing Jurgen Klopp. Nuno Espírito Santo made four changes from the side that drew to Wolverhampton Wanderers. James Ward-Prowse made his debut as he replaced Ibrahim Sangare. Neco Williams, Anthony Elanga and Hudson-Odoi also came out for Alex Moreno, Nicolas Dominguez and Ryan Yates.
The hosts came close to the opening goal after 16 minutes. Yates tried to shield the ball out for a goal kick but was dispossessed by Luis Diaz and he entered the box and struck the near post. A nervy moment for Yates who was starting his first league game of the season.
Another chance for Liverpool saw a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold find Alexis Mac Allister but his header was well saved by goalkeeper Matz Sels. Alexander-Arnold’s ever threatening crosses were causing problems for Nuno’s side.
There was almost a moment to forget for Sels. A header looped up in the air which should have been easily to claim by the Belgian International but he dropped the ball and had to quickly scramble it off the line. Almost a big mistake from the Forest keeper as he almost gave Liverpool a gift of a lead.
That was it for the first half with the score at 0-0. Liverpool the better of the two sides but struggled to find that finishing touch. Forest holding out well in the first half but were struggling with the lack of wide players.
Forest were the first side to create a chance in the second half. Morgan Gibbs-White finding Chris Wood open on the left side but his shot was well saved by Alisson. Forest first real chance of the game which tested the Brazilian keeper.
A vital clearance from Ola Aina prevented Liverpool from taking the lead. Alexander-Arnold’s corner was flicked on towards goal but Aina was there on the line and cleared it away. Liverpool were growing frustrated and just couldn’t find a way through.
But then Forest had their moment and took the lead through substitute Hudson-Odoi. Fellow substitute Elanga with a superb cross field ball which found Hudson-Odoi and he cut in from the left and found the far corner. Hudson-Odoi with his first of the season and did it in his trademark fashion.
Forest could have doubled their lead just seven minutes from time. A Sels goal kick was flicked on by substitute Jota Silva and sent Elanga through on goal but he was denied by Alisson.
But that was the last action of the game and Forest secured a memorable three points. The Reds remain unbeaten while having a 100% record on the road after having a superb second half where they could have scored more than one. Nuno’s side sit 4th in the table and travel to Brighton & Hove Albion for their next game. Slot’s unbeaten record comes to an end as his side struggled in front of goal and gave Forest their first league win at Anfield in 55 years. They sit 2nd in the table and next travel to AC Milan in the Champions League.
