Liverpool Win at Forest — But Arne Slot Has a Bigger Problem

Three points. Relief. Celebrations at full-time.

But Liverpool’s performance at Nottingham Forest leaves serious questions hanging over Arne Slot.

Because if we’re honest, this wasn’t progress. It was papering over cracks.

A First Half That Should Worry Fans

Liverpool were second best — and not by a small margin.

Outrun Outworked Outthought Outshot

Forest looked sharper, more aggressive, and more organised. Liverpool lacked energy, structure and control. For a side chasing the top four, that is a major concern.

A week’s rest compared to Forest’s European exertions should have shown. Instead, it was Liverpool who looked leggy.

That falls on the manager.

Tactical Uncertainty

Slot’s early positional switches suggested even he wasn’t convinced by his own setup.

When a team looks confused in shape and hesitant in possession, it points to either poor preparation or players unsure of their roles.

Neither is comforting.

The Attack Is Misfiring

Salah struggled again. Gakpo failed to impose himself. Creativity was almost non-existent for 75 minutes.

Yes, Liverpool found a winner — but it came in chaos, not control.

You can’t rely on 97th-minute drama every week.

Winning Masks Performance — For Now

Slot will argue that good teams win when they play badly.

That’s true.

But great teams don’t repeatedly allow themselves to be outplayed by sides lower in the table.

Forest were 17th. Liverpool looked reactive, not dominant.

That is the worrying part.

Where Does This Leave Slot?

The points keep him safe.

The performance puts him under scrutiny.

If Liverpool don’t show sharper structure, intensity and attacking clarity in the next few fixtures, the questions will only grow louder.

This felt less like a statement win.

And more like a warning sign.

Jamie (The Kopite View)