In the early hours of August 30 (Vietnam time), Liverpool hosted Nottingham Forest at Anfield in the third round of the Premier League. This marked the first home match for new head coach Andoni Iraola at the helm of the Reds at the iconic stadium.
Nottingham Forest twice took the lead through Dan Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White (from the penalty spot). Alexander Isak equalized for Liverpool in the second half, but deep into stoppage time, Victor Munoz secured a 2-2 draw with a deflected finish.
The visitors came agonizingly close to a third consecutive win at Anfield. Forest created numerous clear-cut chances, exposing Liverpool's fragile defense. Goalkeeper Alisson was forced into several crucial saves to keep his side in the game.
Iraola had hoped for a special day in his first match at Anfield, but instead received a reminder of why he was appointed to replace Arne Slot, who was dismissed after last season's fifth-place finish.
Liverpool are struggling to improve results despite significant investment in new signings. The reported £106 million (around $144 million) deal for Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain is nearing completion, with potential add-ons of £17 million ($23 million) based on performance-related targets.
In this match, Liverpool showed defensive vulnerabilities, particularly on set pieces and transitions. Nottingham Forest, who had failed to score in their opening two matches, created a host of clear opportunities.
In the 24th minute, Igor Jesus broke free on a long ball but his shot was blocked by defender Jeremy Jacquet. From the rebound, Gibbs-White set up Ndoye, who finished across goal to open the scoring.
Florian Wirtz, Liverpool's record signing, produced a moment of creativity but his goal was disallowed for offside. Alisson made a superb save in first-half stoppage time to prevent Forest from doubling their lead.
In the second half, Cody Gakpo delivered a precise cross for Isak to head home the equalizer in the 60th minute. Forest regained the lead just minutes later from the penalty spot after a quick throw-in from Liam Delap caught Liverpool off guard. Alisson rushed out and fouled Neco Williams.
Iraola made several substitutions in search of an equalizer, including bringing on Victor Munoz for Gakpo. The decision paid off when Wirtz played a through-ball for Munoz, whose shot came off the crossbar and into the net to level the score at 2-2 in stoppage time.
Despite not finding a late winner, the draw means both Iraola and Oliver Glasner are still searching for their first victories of the new season.
