Liverpool 2-2 Nottingham Forest Player Ratings: Reds Fight Back But Leave Anfield With Draw

Another game, another 2-2 draw.

Liverpool failed to respond after the drab showing against Newcastle, falling behind within 25 minutes after a kick and rush led to Ndoye tucking home the opener for Forest. Wirtz thought he had scored the equaliser after a terrific snap-shot with his back to goal, but VAR chalked it off because Frimpong had strayed offside in the build-up.

Isak levelled things after tapping in Gakpo's clever cross, but Forest had the ball in the back of the net just ten minutes later after the referee awarded them a penalty for Alisson's challenge on Williams. Just like he did at St James' Park however, Muñoz was the difference maker, smashing home Liverpool's second goal from a tight angle.

Here are our player ratings for the match:

GK: Alisson - 6.6

After making some big saves in the first half, Alisson undid his good work with a clumsy challenge on Williams in the box, which was harshly punished with a penalty.

RB: Frimpong - 5.9

Frimpong struggled to cope with Ndoye all game, and it was ultimately down his side that Forest scored the opener. The Dutchman almost compounded the misery with a poor dispossession after the interval, but Alisson spared his blushes with a good save.

CB: Jacquet - 6.9

The young defender was impressive on his competitive Anfield debut, dealing well with a pair of nuisances in Jesus and Delap. He made a key block to deny Jesus' attempt in the first half which, if scored, could have put the game beyond Liverpool. He probably should have reacted quicker to Delap's quick throw-in, but Frimpong also shares the blame for failing to track Williams' run.

CB: Van Dijk - 6.7

Outshone by his junior partner, Van Dijk was a little flat-footed on one or two occasions, but dealt well with balls into the box and cleared every set piece that came his way. His distribution was quick and brave in the second half, as Liverpool searched for an equaliser.

LB: Kerkez - 6.5

The No. 5 showed great work-rate and tenacity, but looked limited on the ball when Liverpool were trying to break down Forest's low-block. His overlapping runs could have been timed better.

CM: Szoboszlai - 7.0

The vice-captain covered every blade of grass at Anfield today and worked a tireless double-shift in midfield and at right-back. Despite some dangerous deliveries into the box, however, he struggled to unlock a stubborn Forest defence.

CM: Mac Allister - 7.1

Mac Allister looked alert and creative in the middle of the park, turning well to escape Forest's press and play the ball forward. He also showed a lot of the muscle and grit that Liverpool were missing last weekend. He has given the gaffer a real selection headache in midfield!

CM: Wirtz - 6.8

The German drifted in and out of the game, but produced an outstanding finish with his back to goal in the first half, which was ultimately ruled out for offside. His pass for Muñoz was perfectly weighted and gave the winger the best chance to smash the leveller home.

RW: Muñoz - 7.0

The 23 year-old showed plenty of courage and physicality down both flanks, and could have grabbed the equaliser in the first half after the ball fell to him in the box. He made no mistake in the closing stages, however, rifling in Liverpool's second goal from a tricky angle. Who needs Minteh or Sarr!

ST: Isak - 6.7

Although he was largely anonymous, he popped up in the right place and at the right time to tap in the leveller. While concerns remain about his role in buildup play, it was a crucial goal that will give him a huge confidence boost. Iraola will also be pleased that he was able to play for the full 90 minutes.

LW: Gakpo - 7.0

Playing in the unfamiliar position of the right-hand side of attack, Gakpo worked well with Frimpong and managed to beat the defender to the byline on several occasions. For Liverpool's first goal, he spun away brilliantly from two Forest players to find space and whip in a beautiful cross to find Isak in the box. He will be a huge miss if the club sanctions his departure!

There is plenty of fight in this Liverpool team, but the defensive problems continue to mount for Iraola's side...

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