LIVERPOOL HELD TO 2-2 DRAW BY NOTTINGHAM FOREST AS MUNOZ RESCUES POINT

Read Time:2 Minute, 36 Second

By: Balogun Ibrahim

Victor Munoz scored late to earn Liverpool a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, denying Andoni Iraola victory in his first home game as the club’s manager.

Forest twice took the lead through Dan Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White’s penalty, but Liverpool fought back on both occasions.

Alexander Isak levelled the contest early in the second half before Munoz struck late to rescue a point for the hosts and preserve Iraola’s unbeaten start after his opening two matches in charge.

Iraola had hoped for a memorable first outing at Anfield but instead saw his side exposed defensively, highlighting the challenge ahead following Arne Slot’s departure.

READ MORE…

LEKKI IMAX CINEMA ATTACK: TWO DEAD, SECURITY OFFICER ARRESTED

Forest, who had failed to score in their opening two matches under Oliver Glasner, created several opportunities and repeatedly troubled Liverpool’s defence.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 24th minute after a long ball caused confusion in the Liverpool backline. Igor Jesus initially got past the defence before Gibbs-White collected the loose ball and set up Ndoye, who calmly finished into the far corner.

Liverpool thought they had equalised when Florian Wirtz found the net, but the goal was ruled out for an offside offence involving Jeremie Frimpong in the build-up.

Alisson then kept Liverpool in the game with a crucial save to deny Ndoye from doubling Forest’s advantage shortly before half-time.

The hosts eventually found their equaliser on the hour mark when Cody Gakpo delivered a precise cross for Isak to tap home.

Liverpool appeared to have gained momentum after the equaliser, but Forest quickly regained the lead.

A swiftly taken throw-in caught Liverpool’s defence off guard, allowing Neco Williams to break forward before being brought down by Alisson, who had rushed out of goal.

Gibbs-White converted the resulting penalty, sending Alisson the wrong way to put Forest back in front.

Iraola turned to his substitutes in search of another response, and his decision eventually paid off.

Wirtz produced a well-weighted pass through the Forest defence for Munoz, who struck the ball against the crossbar and into the net to register his first goal since joining Liverpool from Osasuna.

Neither team could find a winner during a frantic closing period, leaving both Iraola and Glasner still searching for their first victories in charge.

The draw also underlined Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses and the consistency issues facing Iraola despite the club’s heavy investment in new players.

The Reds’ expensive recruits are yet to fully justify their transfer fees, while Forest once again demonstrated how vulnerable Liverpool can be at the back.

Liverpool could soon have another attacking option, with French winger Bradley Barcola reportedly nearing a move from Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcola has reportedly been a long-term target for Liverpool, with the proposed deal said to be worth £106m ($144m), potentially rising by another £17m.

His arrival could further cast doubt over Cody Gakpo’s future, with Tottenham and Manchester City reportedly monitoring the Dutch forward.