Liverpool’s first home game of the Andoni Iraola era ended in another 2-2 draw as Nottingham Forest twice took the lead before the Reds fought back to rescue a point at Anfield.
After last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle, Liverpool were desperate to give their supporters something to celebrate in Iraola’s first competitive game at Anfield.
Instead, the new manager was left with plenty more questions.
There were positives, particularly the performances of Alexander Isak and Víctor Muñoz, but Liverpool once again looked vulnerable defensively and lacked control for long periods.
And while a point is better than defeat, Liverpool simply need to start winning football matches.
Forest deserved their lead
Liverpool struggled badly in the opening stages.
Forest looked more dangerous, particularly when they won possession and attacked quickly.
Dan Ndoye eventually opened the scoring in the 24th minute, finishing calmly after Forest won the ball and moved forward at pace.
It was another example of Liverpool being vulnerable in transition.
And once again, the Reds found themselves having to chase the game.
Wirtz thought he had equalised
Liverpool did manage to get the ball into the net through Florian Wirtz.
Unfortunately, the goal was ruled out after VAR determined that Jeremie Frimpong had been marginally offside in the build-up.
It was incredibly frustrating for Liverpool and particularly Wirtz, who desperately needed a goal after an underwhelming opening game against Newcastle.
The German was one of Liverpool’s biggest attacking threats, however, and there were encouraging signs that he was beginning to find his rhythm.
Isak finally gets his moment
The second half brought a much better Liverpool.
And eventually, the moment Liverpool supporters had been waiting for arrived.
Alexander Isak scored his first goal of the season.
A quick move involving Wirtz and Cody Gakpo created the opportunity, with Isak finishing to bring Liverpool level in the 60th minute.
It was exactly what Liverpool needed.
After barely being involved against Newcastle, Isak finally had something to celebrate in a Liverpool shirt.
Hopefully, this is just the beginning.
Then Liverpool shot themselves in the foot again
Unfortunately, Liverpool couldn’t build on the equaliser.
Forest regained the lead in the 70th minute after Alisson brought down Neco Williams inside the box.
Morgan Gibbs-White made no mistake from the penalty spot.
And once again Liverpool were chasing the game.
It’s becoming a worrying theme.
Liverpool are conceding far too easily.
For all the talk about attacking reinforcements, there are still serious defensive and midfield questions that need answering.
Muñoz produces a moment of magic
Just when it looked like Liverpool were heading towards a hugely disappointing defeat, Víctor Muñoz stepped up.
And what a goal it was.
The Spaniard unleashed a stunning effort from around 30 yards in the 82nd minute to make it 2-2.
It was a spectacular way for Muñoz to announce himself at Anfield.
After making an encouraging cameo against Newcastle, he was rewarded with a start today.
And he repaid Iraola’s faith in him.
What a finish.
Liverpool pushed for the winner
The momentum shifted completely after Muñoz’s equaliser.
Anfield came alive.
Liverpool pushed Forest deeper and went looking for a winner.
But despite the late pressure, the Reds couldn’t find the decisive goal.
Forest held on for a point.
Liverpool had to settle for their second consecutive 2-2 draw.
Iraola still has plenty of work to do
There were certainly positives for Iraola.
Wirtz looked more dangerous.
Isak opened his account.
Muñoz announced himself with a brilliant goal.
And Liverpool showed character to come back from behind twice.
But the concerns haven’t disappeared.
The midfield still doesn’t look balanced enough.
Liverpool remain vulnerable when opponents counter-attack.
And defensively, there are too many moments when the team looks open.
That’s something Iraola has to solve quickly.
The biggest positive? Isak and Muñoz
If there’s one thing Liverpool supporters can take from today, it’s the attacking potential.
Imagine what this team could look like once Barcola is added to the squad.
Wirtz finding his feet.
Isak getting more service.
Gakpo continuing to contribute.
Muñoz providing pace and unpredictability.
And Barcola potentially adding another elite one-on-one threat.
There is plenty to be excited about.
But Liverpool need to find the balance.
My verdict
Another 2-2 draw.
Another game where Liverpool showed character but also exposed some serious weaknesses.
Two games, two draws and four goals conceded.
That’s not good enough for a team with Liverpool’s ambitions.
But I’m not going to panic.
This is a new manager.
A new system.
A squad that is still evolving.
And there are still players to come into the team.
Iraola has inherited a difficult job, and today’s game showed exactly why.
There is plenty of work to do.
But there were also signs of what this Liverpool team could become.
Isak has his first goal.
Muñoz has announced himself.
Wirtz is starting to look more dangerous.
And Barcola is on his way.
Now Iraola has to turn the potential into results.
Because Liverpool can’t keep drawing games like this.
We need to start winning.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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