Liverpool continued their poor form in their Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, November 22, losing 3-0 to Nottingham Forest. The Reds have now lost seven of their last eight Premier League games and eight of their last 11 games in all competitions.

It’s just a sad record. Had Arne Slaughter not had the immunity that came with last season’s title win, he would have been in serious trouble with Liverpool’s poor form. In fact, he still might be.

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Forest’s solid, disciplined football adds to Liverpool’s poor form

Liverpool’s poor form was exploited by a disciplined Nottingham Forest side who looked completely different under Sean Dyche to Anj Postkoglu. As a team they pressed hard against Liverpool, regaining possession in the midfield on multiple occasions.

However, their defense in the penalty area was almost perfect. Liverpool dominated the first half hour or so but were thwarted by well-timed interceptions and blocks in Forest’s penalty area. Elliot Anderson once again performed well and came up with some very crucial blocks.

Liverpool’s dominance came to an end as the visitors slowed down the tempo of their match against Nottingham Forest by prolonging possession as they were no longer able to attack quickly as often. Forest also scored their first goal from a corner kick and once they took the lead, they were confident of winning.

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Is it time for Liverpool’s old guard?

Attention must turn to the club’s two superstars in recent years: Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Salah performed well for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest on Saturday but it was disappointing to finish another game without a goal or assist.

Nottingham Forest’s first goal came from a corner kick won by the attack on the left. Salah was once again unable to defend against the attack.

The ever-reliable Van Dijk looked a little tired and certainly not at his inspiring best. He failed to boost the morale of his teammates. And then you have the likes of Alisson Becker and Andrew Robertson, who each stayed at the club for seven or eight years.

Robertson was unable to stop Nottingham Forest’s attack from the right wing and scored the visitors’ third goal. The Scotland left-back came on as a replacement for the under-par Milos Kolquez.

These four players may leave the club sooner rather than later. Salah and Van Dijk were offered contract extensions last season, but suddenly the decision didn’t look as good as it did at the time. The four players have won two Premier League titles and a Champions League with the club, but it may be time for them to prepare for a gradual exit.

The Reds next face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League before West Ham, Sunderland and Leeds United in the Premier League. This should be an easier set of games, which should give the Reds a chance to make up some lost ground.

However, a rebuild seems to be in order for them, starting as early as next season. Whether Slaughter will be there to oversee remains to be seen.

Main photo

Credit: Xinhua News Agency/IMAGO

Record date: November 22, 2025