Liverpool were forced to settle for another 2-2 draw as Nottingham Forest twice took the lead at Anfield before the Reds fought back to rescue a point.
There were some encouraging individual performances, particularly from Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Victor Muñoz, but there were also some worrying displays at the back.
Here are my Liverpool player ratings.
Alisson — 5/10
Alisson was well beaten for Dan Ndoye’s opener, although there wasn’t a great deal he could do about the finish.
He then produced a superb save to deny Igor Jesus right on the stroke of half-time and keep Liverpool in the game.
However, he will be disappointed with the penalty he conceded for Forest’s second goal.
A mixed afternoon for Liverpool’s goalkeeper.
Jeremie Frimpong — 6/10
Frimpong struggled defensively but continued to offer plenty going forward.
He played a major role in the build-up to Wirtz’s disallowed goal, although he was just offside.
There were some good attacking moments, but his final delivery needs to become more consistent.
Jeremy Jacquet — 6/10
There were some really encouraging moments from Jacquet.
He produced a goal-saving challenge to deny Igor Jesus an early opportunity and looked composed for long periods.
However, he still had a few moments where he was slack and lacked discipline.
For a young defender playing only his second Premier League game, there is plenty to like.
Virgil van Dijk — 6/10
Van Dijk will be frustrated.
Liverpool’s backline was far too easily opened up for Forest’s first goal, while the ease with which the visitors won their penalty will also concern him.
He wasn’t individually terrible, but Liverpool need their captain to help organise a defence that currently looks vulnerable.
Milos Kerkez — 5/10
A poor afternoon for Kerkez.
He looked sloppy in possession and struggled to make a consistent impact going forward.
Liverpool need much more from their left-back, particularly with competition for places increasing.
Replaced by Kostas Tsimikas in the 71st minute.
Dominik Szoboszlai — 6/10
Much better defensively than he was against Newcastle.
Szoboszlai worked hard, covered plenty of ground and looked more alert when Liverpool didn’t have the ball.
It wasn’t his most spectacular performance, but it was a solid one.
Alexis Mac Allister — 6/10
Back in the starting XI and immediately showed his quality with a lovely reverse ball for Gakpo early on.
However, he couldn’t cope physically with Igor Jesus in the build-up to Ndoye’s goal.
Still looks like a player who can be extremely important to Iraola as Liverpool try to find the right balance in midfield.
Cody Gakpo — 7/10
One of Liverpool’s best players.
Gakpo started on the right and, with transfer speculation continuing, there was always going to be plenty of attention on him.
He was effective throughout.
He played a lovely ball for Wirtz and then did brilliantly to create an opportunity for Muñoz.
He was partly at fault for not doing his defensive duties in the build-up to Forest’s opener, but he more than made up for it by brilliantly creating Isak’s equaliser.
If this does turn out to be Gakpo’s final Liverpool appearance, he certainly gave supporters another reminder of what he can offer.
Florian Wirtz — 7/10
Liverpool’s biggest attacking threat.
Wirtz constantly looked capable of making something happen.
He was desperately unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after seeing a neat finish ruled out because Frimpong was offside.
He also produced a good header which was tipped over by Matz Sels.
And he provided the assist for Muñoz’s spectacular equaliser.
This was a much more encouraging performance from Wirtz.
There are signs that we’re starting to see the player Liverpool signed.
Victor Muñoz — 7/10
What a way to announce yourself at Anfield.
Making his first Liverpool start and playing on his preferred left flank, Muñoz was direct and constantly looked willing to take on his man.
He had a penalty appeal turned down and should arguably have tested Sels when he fired wide from inside the box.
But then came the moment Liverpool supporters will remember.
A stunning strike into the net to level the game and rescue a point.
After an encouraging cameo against Newcastle, Muñoz has now given Iraola something serious to think about.
Alexander Isak — 6/10
Isak endured another frustrating opening half.
He had just six touches and zero shots on goal before half-time.
But he made his ninth touch count.
His equaliser on the hour mark was exactly what Liverpool needed and should give the striker plenty of confidence.
There is clearly much more to come from Isak once Liverpool start providing him with better service.
Substitutes
Kostas Tsimikas — 5/10
Didn’t have enough time to make a significant impact after replacing Kerkez.
Ryan Gravenberch — 5/10
Came on alongside Tsimikas but couldn’t change the game.
Rio Ngumoha — 5/10
Had limited time to influence proceedings.
Ronald Araujo — 5/10
Solid enough after coming on but didn’t have a major impact.
Trey Nyoni — 5/10
Another young player given minutes as Iraola continues to work with a small squad.
My Man of the Match: Victor Muñoz
It’s difficult to look beyond Muñoz.
Wirtz and Gakpo were excellent in attacking areas, but Muñoz’s goal changed the atmosphere inside Anfield and prevented Liverpool from suffering their first home defeat of the season.
He’s only just beginning his Liverpool career, but these are exactly the sort of moments that can launch a young player’s season.
My verdict
There were positives.
Wirtz looked dangerous.
Gakpo was effective.
Isak finally scored.
And Muñoz produced a moment of genuine quality.
But there were also plenty of concerns.
Liverpool conceded two goals again, looked vulnerable defensively and struggled to control the game for long periods.
Four goals conceded in two Premier League matches isn’t good enough.
Iraola has plenty of work to do.
But if Wirtz continues to improve, Isak starts getting more service and Muñoz continues developing like this, there are reasons to remain optimistic.
Liverpool just need to start turning these draws into wins.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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