While taking a considerable figure of expectations, Liverpool failed to convert the Kopites resentful feelings into a thrilling win.
The Red’s 1-1 draw against Forest on Tuesday was a frustrating continuation of their earlier defeat to the same opponent this season.
Despite dominating possession, the Reds failed to translate their control into a decisive performance. Diogo Jota’s equalizer offered a glimmer of hope, but Liverpool’s inability to capitalize in the second half proved costly.
While Liverpool couldn’t capitalize on another should-win match, Forest’s developed and well-praised strategy once again frustrated the visitors, who relied heavily on providing relentless blocks and seeking counter-attacks during the match.
It might be fair to say that manager Arne Slot didn’t take the lessons fully from the last matchup, presenting an urgent sign for more improvements.
Set-Piece Struggles
Despite having players like Virgil van Dijk capable of aerial dominance, their delivery and execution were consistently underwhelming.
In the last matchup where the Reds left the pitch with an awkward 1-0 loss, Liverpool couldn’t covert goals from seven earned corners.
This time, in addition to a savior header from Jota who came off the bench for just 25 seconds, Liverpool’s set-piece showed no threat of unsettling Forest’s well-organized backline.
Forest, for their part, excelled in defending these situations, demonstrating the physicality and composure that troubled Liverpool throughout the match.
The Reds’ inability to pose a serious threat from set pieces was not just a tactical shortcoming but also a psychological blow, as each wasted opportunity fed into Forest’s confidence.
In modern football, set pieces can be a solution for top-flight teams when it comes to battling others aiming to pack on the backline, and Liverpool’s inefficiency in this aspect is a concern.
While their overall possession statistics may suggest dominance, their lack of potency in dead-ball situations underscores a need for improvement.
Other Unlearned Lessons
Beyond set pieces, Liverpool’s broader approach left much to be desired. Their defensive vulnerabilities, evident in the September loss to Forest, remained an issue.
The opening goal, where Forest’s Chris Wood capitalized on Ibrahima Konate’s careless defending, was a stark reminder of the team’s ongoing fragility at the back.
Meanwhile, Forest’s aggressive pressing interfered with Liverpool’s buildup, leading to an error from Mo Salah in the midfield which later caused a fast-break goal from the opponent.
Slot’s team seemed hurried with the ball, as errant passes and poor choices stifled their efforts to penetrate. Luis Díaz’s hesitation to line with Cody Gakpo in the final third highlighted Liverpool’s difficulties on the offensive side.
The squad’s desire to amend their previous loss appeared counterproductive. Instead of staying calm, they opted for speculative but impatient long balls that favored Forest, enabling them to control the match’s tempo and disrupt Liverpool’s momentum.
From a tactical standpoint, Liverpool showed a lack of creativity and flexibility needed to breach Forest’s solid defense.
The absence of incisive runs and lively movement in their attack resulted in a struggle to generate clear opportunities. Slot’s pre-match acknowledgment of Forest’s defensive strength unfortunately did not translate into a strategy to penetrate them down.
To avoid future frustrations, Slot and Liverpool must tackle repeated issues in both matchups with Forest.
Besides solidifying their defense against high-pressing teams is crucial, the Reds should also balance possession control and purposeful attacking.
By turning lessons into improvements, Liverpool can ensure their title run this season, while other contenders, Chelsea and Man City, are struggling to somewhat extend.