Liverpool’s poor form continued in a 3-0 loss in the Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Premier League match at Anfield on Saturday, November 22. The Reds have now lost seven of their last eight Premier League matches and eight of their last 11 across all competitions.
That is just a pathetic record. Had Arne Slot not had the immunity provided by his title triumph last season, he would have been in serious trouble because of Liverpool’s poor form. He still might be, actually.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Liverpool’s Poor Form Aggravated by Forest’s Robust and Disciplined Football
Liverpool’s poor form was exploited by a disciplined Nottingham Forest side, which looks completely different under Sean Dyche from what they did under Ange Postecoglou. They pressed intensely as a team against Liverpool, winning possession back in the middle third repeatedly.
However, it was their defending inside their penalty box that was almost flawless. Liverpool were the dominant side for the first half an hour or so, but were thwarted by timely interceptions and blocks inside the Forest penalty box. Elliot Anderson was once again superb and came up with a few very crucial blocks.
As the visitors slowed the pace of the Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest game down by keeping possession longer, Liverpool’s dominance ended, as they were no longer able to make speedy forays frequently. Forest also scored their first goal from a corner and once they had the lead, they got the confidence to press for a win.
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Is Time Up for Liverpool’s Old Guard?
One has to shift one’s focus to the two colossal figures of the club in recent times: Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Salah was decent in the Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest game on Saturday, but finishing another match without a goal or assist was disappointing.
Nottingham Forest’s first goal came from a corner earned through an attack on the left. Salah was once again not in a position to defend against the attack.
The ever-dependable Van Dijk looked a bit jaded and was certainly not at his inspirational best. He failed to lift the morale of his teammates. Then there are the likes of Alisson Becker and Andrew Robertson, each of whom has spent seven to eight years at the club.
Robertson was unable to stop Nottingham Forest’s attack down the right flank for the visitors’ third goal. The Scottish left-back had come in as a substitute for a below-par Milos Kerkez.
Those four players might leave the club at the earliest possible opportunity. Salah and Van Dijk were given contract extensions last season, and suddenly that does not look as good a decision as it had then. This quartet of players have won two Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League title for the club, but it is probably time for them to be prepared for an exit gradually.
The Reds will take on PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League next and then face West Ham United, Sunderland and Leeds United in the Premier League. It should be an easier set of matches, which should give the Reds a chance to cover some lost ground.
However, a rebuild seems to be in order for them, starting as early as next season. It remains to be seen whether Slot will be there to oversee it.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Xinhua
Recording Date: 22.11.2025
