Inframe News – Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, August 29, leaving new manager Andoni Iraola still waiting for his first Premier League victory. The Reds twice came from behind during the match. Víctor Muñoz scored the late equaliser to rescue a point in his first Premier League start for the club.
Nottingham Forest started the match with more attacking intent and created several chances during the opening stages. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 24th minute when Dan Ndoye opened the scoring. The Swiss forward finished a quick attacking move after a long ball from goalkeeper Matz Sels helped expose Liverpool’s defensive line.
Liverpool struggled to build momentum during much of the first half. Florian Wirtz appeared to have equalised in the 32nd minute, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review found Jeremie Frimpong offside in the build-up. Forest also came close to doubling their advantage before halftime, with Alisson Becker making an important save to deny Igor Jesus.
The home side eventually found its equaliser 15 minutes into the second half. Cody Gakpo created space on the right before sending a low cross across the six-yard box. Alexander Isak arrived at the far post and tapped the ball into an open net to make it 1-1 in the 60th minute.
Forest responded quickly and regained the lead ten minutes later. Neco Williams raced into the Liverpool penalty area after a quick throw-in from Liam Delap. Alisson came out to challenge him and was judged to have committed a foul, giving Forest a penalty.
Morgan Gibbs-White stepped up to take the spot kick. The Forest captain sent Alisson the wrong way with a firm finish to put the visitors 2-1 ahead. The goal left Liverpool facing another comeback after the team had also needed a late penalty to draw 2-2 with Newcastle in their opening league match.
Iraola attempted to change the game with several substitutions, but Liverpool encountered an unusual problem on the touchline. The fourth official’s electronic substitution board malfunctioned, delaying the triple substitution the manager had planned. The delay came shortly before Forest won the penalty that restored their lead.
Liverpool eventually found another equaliser in the 82nd minute through Muñoz. Florian Wirtz played the ball into the Spanish forward, who turned inside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful shot. The effort struck the underside of the crossbar and went in after taking a slight deflection off Forest defender Murillo.
The Reds pushed forward in search of a winning goal during the closing minutes. Dominik Szoboszlai came close with a free kick that flew just wide of the far post. Forest survived the late pressure to leave Anfield with a point.
The result leaves Liverpool with two points from their opening two Premier League matches. They have scored four goals and conceded four, with both games ending 2-2. Forest also remain without a league victory this season, but their performance at Anfield provided a strong showing under new manager Oliver Glasner.
For Muñoz, the match provided a memorable first start at Anfield. The summer signing scored his first goal for Liverpool after previously making an impact from the bench against Newcastle. His late strike prevented Iraola from suffering his first Premier League defeat as Liverpool manager.
