Liverpool’s frustrating start under Andoni Iraola continued at Anfield as Nottingham Forest twice took the lead before the Reds fought back for a 2-2 draw. The result left both managers searching for their first win, but Iraola was especially unhappy with events around Forest’s second goal.
Forest regained the lead in the 70th minute when Morgan Gibbs-White converted from the penalty spot. The decision came after Neco Williams reacted quickly to a Liam Delap throw-in before being brought down by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Iraola had been ready to make substitutions several minutes earlier. However, the fourth official appeared to have problems with the electronic board, and play continued despite the ball going out of play.
“I don’t have an explanation,” Iraola said. “I wanted to make those subs about three minutes before.”
The Liverpool boss said there had been several chances to stop the game. “There were three or four times the ball has gone out and I still don’t know the reason why we haven’t made the subs,” he added.
The penalty gave Forest a huge opportunity to claim a statement win at Anfield. Liverpool had already needed a response after Dan Ndoye put the visitors ahead in the first half.
Alexander Isak restored parity in the 60th minute, but Forest struck again before Víctor Muñoz rescued Liverpool with an 82nd-minute equaliser. The summer signing from Osasuna marked his home debut with a goal that spared the hosts another damaging defeat.
Iraola admitted Liverpool’s first-half display was not good enough. “We improved a lot in the second half,” he said, but added that his team had to “blame the first half.”
Forest manager Oliver Glasner was left with mixed emotions. “We’re very proud of the performance,” he said, while admitting his side “could and probably should have” won.
For Liverpool, the draw feels like another warning. For Forest, it may be proof that they can trouble the league’s biggest sides, but they must learn how to protect a lead.
